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Abbott Names GOP Firebrand Don Huffines Texas Comptroller

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Don Huffines (R) as Texas comptroller, succeeding acting comptroller Kelly Hancock, who leaves end-July.
Huffines, a GOP firebrand, defeated Hancock in the March primary before the appointment.
Abbott praised Huffines’s private-sector experience and conservative principles as qualifications.
Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D) criticized the move, noting the office controls a $337 billion budget, tax collection, audits and a $1 billion voucher program.

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Story summary

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Don Huffines (R) as Texas comptroller, succeeding acting comptroller Kelly Hancock, who leaves end-July.
Huffines, a GOP firebrand, defeated Hancock in the March primary before the appointment.
Abbott praised Huffines’s private-sector experience and conservative principles as qualifications.
Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D) criticized the move, noting the office controls a $337 billion budget, tax collection, audits and a $1 billion voucher program.