Texas Comptroller election, 2026

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Texas Comptroller
Election details
	Filing deadline: December 8, 2025
	Primary: March 3, 2026; Primary runoff: May 26, 2026; General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
	Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Voting in Texas
Ballotpedia analysis
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The Texas Comptroller is responsible for collecting taxes from local governments, managing state contracts, and giving budget estimates for the legislature to use for budgeting.^[1]

In the Republican primary, four candidates are running, with three receiving the most media attention: Incumbent Kelly Hancock (R), Christi Craddick (R), and Donald Huffines (R). Hancock was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in 2025. Craddick is a member of the Texas Railroad Commission. Huffines is a former state Senator.

The Texas Tribune's Alejandro Serrano wrote, "Historically an apolitical office, the GOP primary for the open seat is a hotly competitive and expensive race colored by the same culture war issue that has animated more high-profile races up and down the ballot."^[2] The three candidates have discussed social issues throughout the campaign.

Hancock has campaigned on ending a state program, he says favored specific groups, and said "Businesses deserve a level playing field where government contracts are earned by performance and best value — not race or sex quotas."^[3] Craddick has said as comptroller she would not let tax dollars go towards specific programs, saying on X, "Whether it’s gender theory in schools or climate alarmism disguised as infrastructure, I’ll say it plainly: I won’t let Texas taxpayers bankroll nonsense."^[4] Huffines has said he would reduce spending on individuals residing in the country wihtout legal permission, saying he would "use the Comptroller’s office to expose the true cost of illegal immigration, including the billions spent in our schools, and fight to eliminate every taxpayer-funded benefit."^[5]

Texas Monthly's Ben Rowen wrote the race had "drawn representatives of three important Texas conservative constituencies."^[6] Each candidate has received endorsements from different groups and individuals. Abbott has endorsed Hancock's campaign and has offered financial support, as have business groups.^[7]^[6] Energy sector magnates and traditional Republican donors such as Javaid Anwar endorsed Craddick, as has her father, former House speaker Tom Craddick (R).^[8]^[6] President Donald Trump (R), Sen. Ted Cruz (R), and Vivek Ramaswamy (R) all endorsed Huffines.^[9]^[8]^[6]

Michael Berlanga (R) is also running.

Candidates and election results

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Sarah Eckhardt and Donald Huffines are running in the general election for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Sarah Eckhardt (D)
		Donald Huffines (R)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Sarah Eckhardt defeated Savant Moore and Michael Lange in the Democratic primary for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on March 3, 2026.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Sarah Eckhardt	64.3	1,267,749
	Savant Moore	18.9	371,437
	Michael Lange	16.8	330,995

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 1,970,181
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Donald Huffines defeated incumbent Kelly Hancock, Christi Craddick, and Michael Berlanga in the Republican primary for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on March 3, 2026.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Donald Huffines	57.4	1,136,323
	Kelly Hancock	23.6	467,491
	Christi Craddick	15.1	299,151
	Michael Berlanga	3.9	76,553

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 1,979,518
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Green convention

Green convention for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Shehla Faizi is running in the Green convention for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts on April 11, 2026.

		Candidate
		Shehla Faizi (G)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Sarah Eckhardt

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography: "I'm a third-term Democratic state senator, lifelong Texan, and mom of two that believes government should be effective, efficient, fair, and minimally intrusive. I got my start in local government as an assistant county attorney, before being elected a county commissioner, and then the first woman to serve as Travis County Judge. Leading 4,000 employees across dozens of departments, I delivered balanced budgets year over year while lowering property taxes three times. In the Texas Senate, I have delivered legislation to give more Texans a fair shot at success, including the Academic Fresh Start Act and tuition exemptions for paramedics. My priorities for the office of the Comptroller are to focus on affordability, transparency, and trust. Texas is a rich state but prosperity is not evenly distributed. As keeper of the books, the Comptroller should honestly report whether, how and which Texans are benefitting from state investments. And the Comptroller can influence better investment, creating a prosperity we all experience and contribute to building on."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Our state’s chief financial officer should be a watchdog for your money, not a lapdog for rich and powerful special interests.

In the wealthiest country on the planet, and the second wealthiest state in that country, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to meet and exceed the needs of every Texan who wants a home, healthcare, and good public schools.

I’m running as a Democrat to break one-party rule that stands up a pay-to-play system for special interests while leaving everyday Texans behind.

Donald Huffines

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Submitted Biography: "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."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

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.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/SarahEckhardt.jpeg

Sarah Eckhardt (D)

Our state’s chief financial officer should be a watchdog for your money, not a lapdog for rich and powerful special interests.

In the wealthiest country on the planet, and the second wealthiest state in that country, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to meet and exceed the needs of every Texan who wants a home, healthcare, and good public schools.

I’m running as a Democrat to break one-party rule that stands up a pay-to-play system for special interests while leaving everyday Texans behind.

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/DonaldHuffines2025.png

Donald Huffines (R)

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.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Sarah Eckhardt (D)

As Comptroller, I will be a watchdog ensuring our wealth serves our needs, not special interests. Texas has massive water infrastructure needs, with a $154B gap. We must use the $28B Rainy Day Fund to bridge this divide. Broadband is an economic necessity. While the state received $3.3B in federal funds, the administration has stalled; I will end these delays. By prioritizing infrastructure over "sweetheart deals," we ensure every Texan has clean water and high-speed internet. It is time to put people over politics. I am passionate about government that is efficient, effective, and fair. Texans want leaders who take care of basics; the party in control for a generation has failed to address these challenges.

Donald Huffines (R)

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.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Donald Huffines (R)

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.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Donald Huffines (R)

My first job was greasing cars at my family’s business, Huffines Motor Company, for $2 an hour.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sarah Eckhardt (D)

Texas AFL-CIO, Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, Gene Wu, Roland Gutierrez, Garry Mauro, Kirk Watson, Gary Bledsoe

Donald Huffines (R)

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.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Texas

Election information in Texas: Nov. 3, 2026, election.

What is the voter registration deadline?

In-person: Oct. 5, 2026
By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 5, 2026
Online: N/A

Is absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

In-person: Oct. 23, 2026
By mail: Received by Oct. 23, 2026
Online: N/A

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

In-person: Nov. 3, 2026
By mail: Postmarked by Nov. 3, 2026

Is early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What are the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 19, 2026 to Oct. 30, 2026

Are all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, is a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When are polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CT/MT)

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.