Abbott Endorses Former Sen. Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller After Candidacy Announcement

Gov. Greg Abbott endorsed former state Sen. Kelly Hancock’s bid for Texas comptroller shortly after the North Texas Republican officially launched his campaign on Thursday.

Hancock’s announcement came just a day after he resigned from the Texas Senate and was appointed chief clerk in the comptroller’s office — a strategic move widely seen as a prelude to his expected appointment as interim comptroller following Glenn Hegar’s departure at the end of the month.

According to Bloomberg Law, an opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton barred the governor from appointing a sitting or recently resigned legislator to a role that requires Senate confirmation. To work around that restriction, Hancock joined the comptroller’s office as chief clerk — a role that does not require Senate approval — putting him in position to be promoted to interim comptroller once Hegar steps down.

“Kelly is a great fit to serve as the chief financial officer of Texas,” Hegar said in a statement quoted by The Texas Tribune. “As a long-serving member of the Texas Legislature, he helped shape sound financial policy and authored the state’s conservative spending cap legislation.” Hegar added that Hancock is “honest, trustworthy, and an all-around good guy.”

Hancock officially launched his campaign for the 2026 comptroller race on Thursday, shortly after his appointment as chief clerk. In his announcement, he emphasized his conservative track record, particularly on border policy. “For over a decade, I’ve fought for Texas taxpayers in the Legislature, cutting red tape, passing conservative budget reforms, and holding government accountable,” Hancock said in a statement published by The Texas Tribune. “As Comptroller, I’ll make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely, transparently, and responsibly.”

The state comptroller oversees Texas’ fiscal operations, including tax collection, revenue forecasting, and contract management. The office manages over a quarter-trillion dollars in revenue and supports the administration of a $337 billion state budget.

By stepping into the role ahead of the March 2026 Republican primary, Hancock gains a potential advantage. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick and former state Sen. Don Huffines, R–Dallas, have already entered the race. 

Gov. Abbott endorsed Hancock: “I endorse Kelly Hancock because I want a candidate who will actually win the election, not someone who has already lost an election to a Democrat,” Abbott said, referencing Huffines’ 2018 defeat by Sen. Nathan Johnson, D–Dallas.