Austin, TX — Don Huffines officially took the oath of office Saturday as Texas Comptroller, beginning his tenure as the state’s chief financial officer with a series of promises aimed squarely at fiscal conservatives: refuse a taxpayer-funded salary, root out government waste, pursue additional property tax relief, and faithfully administer Texas’ new school choice program.
Huffines was sworn into office after being appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Comptroller Kelly Hancock. As Comptroller, Huffines will oversee the state’s accounting systems, tax collections, revenue estimates, and fiscal management while serving as one of Texas’ highest-ranking statewide officials.
The ceremony marks the beginning of Huffines’ service as comptroller ahead of the November general election, where he will appear on the ballot seeking a full term against Democratic nominee and State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt. Entering the race as the incumbent provides Huffines with both the visibility and responsibilities that come with holding statewide office.
Refusing a Taxpayer-Funded Salary
One of Huffines’ first announcements after taking office was that he will not accept the Comptroller’s salary.
The decision mirrors his previous service in the Texas Senate, where he also declined compensation, arguing that public office should be about serving Texans rather than collecting a government paycheck.
“I will not accept a salary,” Huffines said, emphasizing his belief that elected officials should demonstrate fiscal restraint beginning with themselves.
While the Comptroller’s salary represents only a tiny fraction of the state’s overall budget, the move is intended to reinforce Huffines’ message that government leaders should model the same financial discipline they expect from taxpayers.
Property Tax Relief Remains Top Priority
Huffines also made clear that reducing Texans’ property tax burden will be one of his central objectives.
Although the Comptroller does not directly set property tax rates, the office plays a significant role in state finances and revenue forecasting. Huffines said he intends to use the position to encourage local governments to reduce property taxes instead of expanding spending as state sales tax revenues continue to grow.
Property taxes have become one of the most contentious issues in Texas politics in recent years. Despite multiple rounds of tax relief approved by the Legislature, many homeowners have continued to see rising tax bills due to increasing property values and local government spending.
Huffines has long advocated for more aggressive property tax reductions and used his swearing-in ceremony to reaffirm that commitment.
Promising a More Aggressive Watchdog
Beyond taxes, Huffines pledged to aggressively identify wasteful government spending.
He said the Comptroller’s office should function as a watchdog over taxpayer dollars, focusing on eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and unnecessary expenditures throughout state government.
The comments are consistent with Huffines’ long-standing reputation as one of the Legislature’s more fiscally conservative voices and suggest he intends to bring a more activist approach to the Comptroller’s office than simply managing the state’s books.
As the state’s chief financial officer, the Comptroller prepares revenue estimates that guide legislative budgeting and oversees billions of dollars in state finances, giving the office substantial influence over fiscal policy even without direct legislative authority.
School Choice Program Now Under His Oversight
Huffines also assumes responsibility for overseeing the financial administration of Texas’ new Education Freedom Account program, one of Gov. Abbott’s signature legislative accomplishments.
The program allows qualifying families to use state funds for approved educational expenses outside the traditional public school system. Because the Comptroller’s office is responsible for administering the program’s financial operations, Huffines will immediately play a central role in ensuring the initiative functions as intended.
Supporters view the program as expanding educational opportunities and parental choice, while critics have questioned its impact on public education funding. Regardless of the political debate, the Comptroller’s office will be responsible for ensuring taxpayer dollars are properly managed and accounted for.
Abbott Praises Huffines’ Private-Sector Experience
Gov. Greg Abbott praised Huffines during the transition, pointing to his business background and commitment to conservative fiscal principles.
Abbott has said Huffines’ experience in the private sector makes him well suited to oversee the state’s finances and continue Texas’ reputation for responsible fiscal management.
Huffines built his career in real estate development before entering public service and previously represented portions of Dallas County in the Texas Senate.
Looking Toward November
Although Huffines is now serving as Comptroller, Texas voters will still decide in November who will hold the office for the coming term.
His appointment gives Republicans an incumbent candidate heading into the election while allowing Huffines to begin implementing his priorities immediately rather than waiting until after Election Day.
His opening message leaves little doubt about the direction he intends to take the office: emphasizing smaller government, increased accountability, reduced spending, and continued efforts to lower the tax burden on Texans.
Whether those priorities translate into measurable policy changes will become clearer in the months ahead, but Huffines began his tenure with a clear signal to taxpayers that he intends to make fiscal conservatism the defining theme of his administration.