On the social platform X, Cody Campbell, chair of the TTU System board of regents, announced Aug. 31 that Creighton is expected to be named to the position.
“Senator Creighton is a proven leader, with deep ties to and understanding of higher education. He has been a strong voice in the fight to get our colleges and universities back on track and clearly shares the values and the vision of the Texas Tech community,” Campbell said via X.
Creighton will succeed former chancellor Tedd Mitchell, who announced his plans to retire within the year, according to a July 11 news release.
Some context
Creighton was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2014, and serves District 4, which encompasses parts of Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson and Galveston counties, according to the district website.
As a member of the Texas Senate, he is the chair of the Education K-16 committee and a member of the business and commerce, finance and jurisprudence committees. During the 89th regular legislative session, Creighton sponsored House Bill 2, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed June 4 and gives public schools $8.5 billion in funding over the next two years.
Prior to serving in the Texas Senate, Creighton served District 16 as a member of the Texas House, according to the District 4 website.
What they’re saying
- “I feel very blessed to have been considered for the role of chancellor,” Creighton said via X. “There is no greater purpose I would consider than working to make generational changes that transform the lives of young Texans for decades to come.”
- “We are confident that Senator Creighton will continue to advance our mission of serving students, driving research, and strengthening communities across the state, and especially in West Texas,” Campbell said via X. “He is, unquestionably, the right person for the job, and we all look forward to working with him.”
- “[Creighton] has been a steadfast friend to Montgomery County, always standing up for our community and making sure our voice was heard in Austin,” Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said via Facebook. “I have no doubt he will bring that same tenacity, vision, and leadership to Texas Tech, guiding the university system into a strong future.”
After being named sole finalist Sept. 4, there is a 21-day waiting period before Creighton can officially be voted in as chancellor, according to the Sept. 4 meeting agenda.
It is not immediately clear what happens to Creighton’s position in the Texas Senate after his appointment. The 2026 primary election is set to take place March 3, 2026, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
Community Impact reached out to Creighton’s office for additional comment, and this story may be updated.
