Governor Greg Abbott is reportedly considering to appoint State Senator Kelly Hancock (R–North Richland Hills) as interim Texas Comptroller following the departure of Glenn Hegar, setting off a ripple effect in North Texas politics. In response, State Rep. Nate Schatzline (R–Fort Worth) is reportedly planning to run in the anticipated special election to replace Hancock in Senate District 9, according to conservative outlet Current Revolt.
Hegar will officially step down on July 1 to assume the role of chancellor of Texas A&M University. The appointment of Hancock to fill the remainder of Hegar’s term — through January 2027 — would place a longtime Abbott ally in one of the most influential fiscal offices in the state.
Does Abbott Reward Loyalty?
Hancock’s selection is being seen by some as a reward for his loyalty to the governor during key legislative clashes, particularly in 2021, when he was the only Republican senator to oppose Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s effort to claw back ERCOT overcharges after Winter Storm Uri — a move aligned with Abbott’s position.
The appointment would restore influence for Hancock, who lost major committee roles following those disagreements but remained a reliable supporter of Abbott’s school voucher push and other executive priorities.
As Comptroller, Hancock would oversee state revenue collections, economic forecasting, and the distribution of major funding streams — from opioid abatement settlements to federal broadband and infrastructure funds. The office also sets the budget limits used by the Legislature and manages statewide purchasing and contracting policy.
While Abbott has not publicly confirmed the appointment, multiple reports and Capitol sources indicate an announcement is imminent.
Will Schatzline Seek SD9 Seat?
State Rep. Nate Schatzline, who represents part of Tarrant County in the Texas House, is reportedly preparing to run for Hancock’s seat if it becomes vacant, according to Current Revolt. The first-term lawmaker, elected in 2022, is a staunch social conservative who has built his platform around Christian values, government reform, and parental rights in education.
A former pastor, Schatzline is the founder of For Liberty & Justice, an organization aimed at mobilizing churches in political spaces, and he serves as director of operations for The Justice Reform, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit based in Fort Worth.
He is also a vocal supporter of private school vouchers, aligning him with Abbott’s signature education policy.
During his short tenure in the House, Schatzline has backed legislation advancing school choice, strengthening religious expression in schools, and curbing the rights of transgender Texans — bills that have drawn praise from the GOP’s grassroots base and criticism from civil rights advocates.
Hancock’s departure from the Senate and Schatzline’s move to seek higher office will leave two Republican-held seats in flux heading into the 2026 cycle. While Hancock has not announced plans to run for a full term as Comptroller, his interim role could give him a head start should he choose to enter that race. Already, former state Sen. Don Huffines and current Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick have declared their candidacies.
Schatzline’s move will also open his House seat, creating another potential contest in the North Texas conservative stronghold.
