Abbott Appoints Don Huffines as Texas Comptroller

Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Don Huffines as Texas comptroller of public accounts, placing the former state senator and Dallas-area businessman in charge of an office central to Texas’ tax collections, state payments and financial transparency.

Huffines will replace Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock on Aug. 1, according to the governor’s office. The appointment allows Huffines to take office before the November general election, though the comptroller remains an elected statewide position. Under Texas vacancy law, the governor may appoint someone to fill a vacancy in a state office, and voters fill the remainder of an unexpired term at the next general election if the vacancy occurs within the statutory window.

The appointment gives Huffines responsibility for an agency that collects state taxes and fees, disburses state funds, manages unclaimed property and provides public information on state spending. The comptroller’s office also plays a role in maintaining the state’s fiscal position, including oversight of the Economic Stabilization Fund.

Huffines co-founded Huffines Communities, a real estate development company in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. He previously served in the Texas Senate, representing District 16 from 2015 to 2019.

During his time in the Legislature, Huffines was known as a fiscal conservative and advocate for government transparency, according to the governor’s office.

Abbott, in announcing the appointment, cited Huffines’ business background and approach to fiscal management.

“Don Huffines brings the right mix of business experience and conservative principles to this vital office,” Abbott said in the announcement. “He is a fifth-generation Texan, successful businessman and proven conservative leader who puts taxpayers first. His private-sector experience and dedication to limited government make him exceptionally qualified to lead the state’s finances and protect every taxpayer dollar with integrity and accountability.”

Huffines said his focus will be on running the office with an emphasis on the state’s business climate.

“I'm honored by the trust Gov. Abbott has placed in me,” Huffines said. “My commitment is simple: run government lean, protect every tax dollar and keep Texas the best place to live, raise a family and run a business.”

Huffines earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin.