Public policy made simple. Dive into our information hub today!

Donald Huffines

From Ballotpedia
(Redirected from Don Huffines)
Jump to: navigation, search
BP-Initials-UPDATED.png
This page was current at the end of the official's last term in office covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Donald Huffines
Candidate, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Prior offices:
Texas State Senate District 16
Years in office: 2015 - 2019
Successor: Nathan Johnson (D)
Elections and appointments
Last election
March 1, 2022
Next election
March 3, 2026
Education
Bachelor's
University of Texas, Austin, 1981
Personal
Birthplace
Texas
Profession
Businessman
Contact

Donald Huffines (Republican Party) is running for election for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.

Huffines (Republican Party) was a member of the Texas State Senate, representing District 16. He assumed office in 2015. He left office on January 8, 2019.

Huffines completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Huffines graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1981 with a B.B.A. in Finance. He started working for Henry S. Miller Company, the largest commercial brokerage company in Texas, in 1982. Huffines was promoted to vice president in 1984.[1] Huffines started the company Huffines Communities in 1985, which grew to be one of the largest real-estate developers in Dallas.[2] He has been affiliated with Huffines Liberty Foundation.[3]

Committee assignments

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

Texas committee assignments, 2017
Administration
Education
Intergovernmental Relations
Natural Resources and Economic Development
Veteran Affairs & Border Security, Vice chair

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Huffines served on the following committees:

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2026

See also: Texas Comptroller election, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Republican primary

Republican primary for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Incumbent Kelly Hancock (R) and Donald Huffines (R) are running in the Republican primary for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on March 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Huffines's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2022

See also: Texas gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Texas on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott (R)
 
54.8
 
4,437,099
Image of Beto O'Rourke
Beto O'Rourke (D)
 
43.9
 
3,553,656
Image of Mark Tippetts
Mark Tippetts (L) Candidate Connection
 
1.0
 
81,932
Image of Delilah Barrios
Delilah Barrios (G)
 
0.4
 
28,584
Image of Jacqueline Abernathy
Jacqueline Abernathy (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
1,243
Image of Mark Goloby
Mark Goloby (Independent) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
394

Total votes: 8,102,908
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Texas

Beto O'Rourke defeated Joy Diaz, Michael Cooper, Rich Wakeland, and Inocencio Barrientez in the Democratic primary for Governor of Texas on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Beto O'Rourke
Beto O'Rourke
 
91.4
 
983,182
Image of Joy Diaz
Joy Diaz Candidate Connection
 
3.1
 
33,622
Image of Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper
 
3.0
 
32,673
Image of Rich Wakeland
Rich Wakeland Candidate Connection
 
1.2
 
13,237
Inocencio Barrientez
 
1.2
 
12,887

Total votes: 1,075,601
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Texas on March 1, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott
 
66.5
 
1,299,059
Image of Allen B. West
Allen B. West Candidate Connection
 
12.3
 
239,557
Image of Donald Huffines
Donald Huffines
 
12.0
 
234,138
Image of Chad Prather
Chad Prather
 
3.8
 
74,173
Rick Perry
 
3.1
 
61,424
Image of Kandy Kaye Horn
Kandy Kaye Horn Candidate Connection
 
1.2
 
23,605
Paul Belew
 
0.6
 
11,387
Image of Daniel Harrison
Daniel Harrison Candidate Connection
 
0.6
 
10,829

Total votes: 1,954,172
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Green convention

Green convention for Governor of Texas

Delilah Barrios advanced from the Green convention for Governor of Texas on April 9, 2022.

Candidate
Image of Delilah Barrios
Delilah Barrios (G)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Governor of Texas

Mark Tippetts defeated Fidel Castillo in the Libertarian convention for Governor of Texas on April 10, 2022.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Campaign finance

2018

See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2018

General election

General election for Texas State Senate District 16

Nathan Johnson defeated incumbent Donald Huffines in the general election for Texas State Senate District 16 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Nathan Johnson
Nathan Johnson (D)
 
54.1
 
159,228
Image of Donald Huffines
Donald Huffines (R)
 
45.9
 
134,933

Total votes: 294,161
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 16

Nathan Johnson defeated Joe Bogen in the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 16 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Nathan Johnson
Nathan Johnson
 
69.6
 
25,330
Joe Bogen
 
30.4
 
11,068

Total votes: 36,398
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 16

Incumbent Donald Huffines advanced from the Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 16 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Donald Huffines
Donald Huffines
 
100.0
 
30,311

Total votes: 30,311
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2014

See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for 15 of the 31 seats in the Texas State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Donald Huffines defeated incumbent John Carona in the Republican primary. Mike Dooling (L) filed for election but did not appear on the general election ballot. Huffines was unopposed in the general election.[4][5][6]

Prior to the March 4 primary, Huffines said Carona was too liberal and described the 18-year incumbent as out-of-touch in the district.[7] After Huffines declared for the seat, Carona said: "I’m surprised Mr. Huffines was running as a Republican considering that he spent a small fortune attacking Republicans in the 2012 presidential campaign, but I welcome a thorough debate on the issues facing Texans."[8] In 2012, Huffines helped form a SuperPAC that supported Ron Paul and spent more than $400,000 in the race.[7] Texas Monthly named Carona one of the worst legislators in 2013, pointing in part to his long absence during the session.[9]

Endorsements

Huffines was endorsed by the following groups and individuals for the 2014 Texas State Senate election.

  • Dick Armey, former U.S. House Majority Leader[10]
  • Rand Paul, U.S. Senator from Kentucky[10]
  • Empower Texans[11]
  • Michael Quinn Sullivan, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility[10]
  • Tim Lambert, Texas Home School Coalition[10]
  • Cathie Adams, President, Texas Eagle Forum[10]
  • Denise McNamara, Former National Republican Committeewoman[10]
  • JoAnn Fleming, Executive Director, Grassroots America[10]
  • Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO, Liberty Institute[10]
  • Texas Right to Life[10]
  • David Barton, President of WallBuilders and former Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas[10]
  • Texas Conservative Digest[10]

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Donald Huffines completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Huffines' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am a fifth-generation Texan, husband, father of five, grandfather of ten, courageous MAGA Republican, and a self-made businessman who will bring a private-sector mindset to the Comptroller’s office. Guided by deep Texas roots and a commitment to faith, family, and freedom, I have spent my life fighting to protect taxpayers and advance conservative values.

As a Texas State Senator, I uncovered the largest government corruption scandal in modern Texas history. I exposed a corrupt 100 million dollar agency, shut it down overnight, sent six officials to prison, and saved Texans tens of millions of dollars. While in the Senate, I never took a penny of government money: no salary, no pension, no healthcare, no per diem. I will do the same as Comptroller.

I am running for Texas Comptroller to stand with President Trump and bring bold, business-minded leadership to Austin. Before he was assassinated, Charlie Kirk endorsed me for Comptroller, saying, “Don Huffines is the only candidate in this race with the courage and the track record to bring President Trump’s brand of leadership to Texas.”

As Comptroller, I will DOGE Texas to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, audit government with private-sector discipline, and fight to return savings and budget surpluses to taxpayers through real property tax relief. I am running to keep Texas strong, free, and prosperous for generations to come.
  • Stand With Trump & Fight Government Corruption I am the only true MAGA Republican in this race and the only candidate who proudly stands with President Donald J. Trump. Before he was assassinated, Charlie Kirk endorsed me for Comptroller, saying, “Don Huffines is the only candidate in this race with the courage and the track record to bring President Trump’s brand of leadership to Texas.” As a Texas State Senator, I exposed a multi-million dollar corruption scandal that sent six people to prison and saved taxpayers millions. As Comptroller, I will audit government, expose corruption, and put thieves in jail for stealing from taxpayers.
  • Run Government Like a Business & End Waste Texas spends more than $500 million every single day. I am a successful businessman who will bring private-sector efficiency, discipline, and accountability to the Comptroller’s office. As a State Senator, I never took a penny of government money: no pay, no pension, no healthcare, no per diem, nothing. And just like President Trump, I will not take a salary as Comptroller. I will DOGE Texas to eliminate fraud and waste, recruit top talent, and build a results-driven culture focused on saving taxpayer money, returning surpluses, and treating every taxpayer like a valued customer.
  • Protect Texas Families, Stop Woke Ideology, & End Taxpayer Funding for Illegals I have already proven I will stand up to the radical Left. I exposed a taxpayer-funded transgender youth website and got it shut down. As Comptroller, I will eliminate woke DEI programs and stop transgender indoctrination in schools. I will also work with President Trump to secure the border, enforce immigration laws, and expose the true cost of illegal immigration, including the billions spent educating illegal aliens in our schools.
I am passionate about shrinking the size of government, defending liberty, and protecting taxpayers. I will make Texas government more efficient through DOGE Texas. One example is fixing Texas traffic. Texas traffic is out of control, and orange construction barrels are becoming our new state symbol. I will audit contracts to ensure roadways are built on time. Another priority is ending taxpayer funding for illegal aliens. I will stand with President Trump to secure the border, enforce our immigration laws, and expose the true cost of illegal immigration, including the billions spent educating illegal aliens in our schools.
The Comptroller’s core responsibility should be to protect taxpayers and ensure government is honest, efficient, and accountable. Texans deserve someone with a proven record and real receipts. I am the only candidate who exposed and shut down a major corruption scandal, sent six officials to prison, and saved taxpayers tens of millions. I never took a penny of government pay in the Senate, and I will do the same as Comptroller, because I work for you.
My first job was greasing cars at my family’s business, Huffines Motor Company, for $2 an hour.
I’m honored to be endorsed by top national leaders like U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Charlie Kirk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Riley Gaines. I’m also backed by current and former conservative fighters in Congress including Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Louie Gohmert, Matt Gaetz, Chip Roy, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, and Brandon Gill. Unprecedentedly, a supermajority of the Texas GOP SREC and nearly every major conservative organization in Texas has endorsed, including Gun Owners of America, Texas Right to Life, and Moms for America. See the full list at donhuffines.com/endorsements.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.


2022

Donald Huffines did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2014

In announcing his campaign in October 2013, Huffines said he believes in "limited government, in cutting spending so we can decrease taxes. I believe in the traditional family." He added: "We’re going to raise enough money to get our message out – a career politician and one of the most liberal senators in Austin against a true conservative."[7][12] Huffines' politics are considered to have a "strong libertarian tinge."[13] Huffines listed a number of issues on his campaign website, including the following excerpts:

  • Term limits: Huffines said if elected he will not serve more than three terms.[14]
  • Taxes and Fees: Huffines said: "I believe that government should live within its means. It is my pledge to the voters not to increase taxes or fees. As government expands, the price tag falls on the taxpayers. We cannot afford this nor should we. I will work to find every tax dollar wasted on unnecessary fees and eliminate taxes that do nothing more than expand the role of government."[14]
  • Education: Huffines said: "I want to ensure that every child in Texas has the best education possible. I believe that no one knows better for his or her child than parents and families. While the Texas Constitution does provide for public education, kids are served best when parents have choices in education. I support families making the best decision regarding their children’s education and keeping the state out of the process as best as possible. As a father of five, I understand the difficult decisions that parents face. I support broadening the options available for families by making our public schools more competitive, capping the salaries of school administrators, expanding charter schools, and empowering both parents and teachers with choices."[14]

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Donald Huffines campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2022Governor of TexasLost primary$15,795,426 $15,941,668
2018Texas State Senate District 16Lost general$4,013,632 N/A**
2014Texas State Senate, District 16Won $2,439,572 N/A**
Grand total$22,248,630 $15,941,668
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Texas

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Texas scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.








2018

In 2018, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session.


2017


2016


2015





Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
When he served in the state Senate, Huffines and his wife, Mary Catherine, had four sons and one daughter.[2]

See also


External links

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by
-
Texas State Senate District 16
2015-2019
Succeeded by
Nathan Johnson (D)

ate="PersonCategories"/>