Don Huffines appointed Texas comptroller ahead of November election

Don Huffines, a former Texas state senator and Dallas-area real-estate developer, was sworn in as the state’s comptroller on Saturday after Governor Greg Abbott temporarily appointed him. The office, which oversees Texas’ finances and a $1 billion school voucher initiative, had been vacant since former comptroller Glenn Hegar left to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Abbott highlighted Huffines’ business experience and dedication to limited government as qualifications for the role.

Huffines, who will forgo a salary as he did while in the Senate, said his priority will be property-tax relief amid strong sales-tax collections. He now faces Democratic state senator Sarah Eckhardt in the November election for a full four-year term. The appointment comes after Kelly Hancock resigned from the acting comptroller post, which he had held after Hegar’s departure.