Former state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, was sworn in as chief clerk of the Texas Comptroller’s office June 19 and is set to become the state's acting comptroller in July, when Comptroller Glenn Hegar will leave office to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.

The big picture

The Comptroller of Public Accounts is Texas' chief financial officer tasked with making biennial budgeting projections for lawmakers, managing the state treasury and unclaimed property programs, reporting on statewide economic issues and overseeing government spending.

Hegar was first elected as comptroller in 2014 and has served in the role since then. He was confirmed as the A&M system chancellor in March and will assume that role July 1.

During his decade-long tenure, Hegar noted the Texas economy's growth from 12th to eighth largest in the world. He also pointed to financial highlights he oversaw like a renewed focus on statewide housing affordability, public employee health care coverage, infrastructure investments and the state's "Rainy Day" reserve fund policies.

What they're saying

At Hancock's swearing-in ceremony in Austin, Hegar said the multi-term lawmaker was the best fit to helm the comptroller's office given his focus on the state economy and customer service.

"It’s important that you have somebody in this role that has the capability, the strength, the understanding that the state of Texas has fiscal discipline, not only in their own personal lives in their own business, but have done that as a legislator and have a proven track record," Hegar said. "It’s a proud day for me, a big day for this agency to make sure that as we are moving forward, this agency is in somebody’s hands who is honest, who is trustworthy, the people of the state of Texas can trust. And that is Kelly Hancock.”

Hancock, a North Texas business owner, has been a longtime presence at the state Capitol where he's served as both a representative and senator since 2007—including some time working alongside Hegar in the Texas Legislature. Before he was sworn in, Hancock said he'd bring a similar approach as Hegar to the job.

"Yes we’re elected to office, and there’s politics involved. But you and I treat this professionally. It is, for us, kind of a business and we take it seriously," he told Hegar. "We’re not flashy, I don’t think anybody’s going to consider us rock stars. But we’re very serious about what we do, and I think that’s what this office needs."

Hancock also noted the growing responsibilities of the comptroller's office in recent years, such as oversight of funding for border security and broadband initiatives. Looking ahead, he said an early priority for his term will be managing Texas' new publicly-funded private education program signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in May.

“The important thing right now is education savings accounts: freedom for those in the education area to help us improve our education that’s been lagging," he said. "That is a daunting task set before us. And with 13 years on a local school board, dealing with the budget and numbers is kind of what I enjoy, we’re ready for that challenge."

Stay tuned

Hancock will remain acting comptroller until at least 2027. The next election for a four-year term in the office will be held in November 2026.

Minutes after he was sworn in June 19, Hancock officially launched his campaign for comptroller and immediately secured Abbott's endorsement.

“For over a decade, I’ve fought for Texas taxpayers in the Legislature, cutting red tape, passing conservative budget reforms, and holding government accountable. As Comptroller, I’ll make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely, transparently, and responsibly," he said in a statement.

Hancock joins a field that already includes Texas Railroad Commission chair Christi Craddick and former state Sen. Don Huffines, who declared their candidacies in March after Hegar's move to A&M was announced. Both bring their own slates of endorsements and state government experience to the race.

Craddick said her many years as an oil and gas regulator will help her maintain Texas' momentum as "the economic engine of the United States."

"Throughout my tenure at the Commission, we have managed our work with efficiency, transparency, and common sense, reflecting the bedrock principles the Texas economy has been built upon, and our commitment to the principles of a free market have helped our economy thrive," she said in a March statement on her candidacy.

Huffines said his approach the job would be modeled after the federal Department of Government Efficiency, targeting government "waste, fraud, and abuse" with a focus on providing tax relief.

“The state of Texas spends more than $450 million a day, seven days a week. Right now, wasteful spending runs unchecked—Texans deserve a watchdog, not a rubber stamp," he said in a March statement. “Texans are forced to cover billions in education costs for illegal aliens while Texans are being taxed out of their homes. It’s time to bring DOGE to Texas, put Texans first, and ensure someone is watching how your hard-earned money is being spent.”