Q&A: Meet the Republican primary candidates running for Texas agriculture commissioner

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Secure Texas water, defend farmers from federal overreach, expand Go Texan markets, combat pests like screwworm, and advance Make America Healthy Again—keeping agriculture strong, free, and rooted in Texas values.

How will you advance the Texas Department of Agriculture’s goal of providing healthy food to students?

I’ll fight federal mandates, empower schools to serve Texas-grown food via Farm Fresh and Go Texan, promote real nutrition—not processed substitutes—and continue advising RFK Jr. on MAHA and the food pyramid. Parents, not Washington, should decide what’s on our kids’ plates. Healthy food starts with freedom, not bureaucracy.

What will you do to ensure Texas consumers can access safe, nutritious products at grocery stores and farmers markets?

I’ll strengthen TDA inspections, deploy our Biosecurity Team, expand Go Texan, and cut red tape so farmers get fresh, safe food to market faster—ensuring Texas-grown quality, transparency, safety, and choice, free from federal mandates.

How do you plan to continue developing Texas’ agricultural industry and supporting farmers/producers?

I’ll secure water, expand Go Texan markets, fight federal overreach, invest in pest/disease defense like screwworm detection and eradication, and deliver low-barrier loans and research through our Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (TAFA) and partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife—keeping Texas agriculture strong, independent, and profitable.

What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next 5 years?

Water scarcity. Without bold action, Texas farms, cities, and industries will face a crisis. I’m securing our future with reservoirs, reuse, desalination, and treaty enforcement—because a dry Texas is a defeated Texas. Water is life, and I won’t let our state run dry.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Governor Abbott endorsed my campaign. … Day one, we restore integrity, audit the agency, and make it function properly. Then I’ll cut red tape, taxes, and fees hurting farmers, and use Texas’ purchasing power to move from ultra-processed foods to real food—helping local producers thrive.

How will you advance the Texas Department of Agriculture’s goal of providing healthy food to students?

What kids eat directly impacts their health and ability to learn. I’m endorsed by Make Texans Healthy Again because they trust me to clean up school lunches. Today, less than 10% of school food comes from local farms. I’ll set clear benchmarks to increase whole, Texas-grown foods year over year.

What will you do to ensure Texas consumers can access safe, nutritious products at grocery stores and farmers markets?

Consumer protection starts with trust. At Nature Nate’s: I wouldn’t put it on my table, I wouldn’t put it on yours. I grew the company from one hive to America’s largest honey brand through testing products, honest labeling, and accountability. I’ll bring the same standard to food oversight.