Texans heading to the polls on Nov. 3 will choose the next state comptroller, the chief financial officer who oversees spending, the $1 billion education savings account program, and the biennial budget forecast. The race features four distinct voices:
Incumbent Republican Don Huffines
Don Huffines, a former state senator, was appointed comptroller by Gov. Greg Abbott in July and officially took office on Aug. 1. Huffines emphasizes fiscal responsibility, transparency in the treasury, and protecting Texas families from wasteful spending. He argues that a lean, accountable comptroller office safeguards the resources that fund schools, highways, and local services.
Democrat Sarah Eckhardt
Sarah Eckhardt, a former state senator and former Travis County judge, frames her campaign around expanding the education savings account and ensuring the state’s unclaimed property program returns money to rightful owners. Eckhardt says she will prioritize equitable budgeting that supports both urban and rural communities while maintaining Texas’s strong economic growth.
Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria‑Garza
Libertarian candidate V. Alonzo Echavarria‑Garza calls for a drastic reduction in government oversight of the treasury, arguing that market‑driven solutions and private‑sector efficiency can better manage state funds. He proposes eliminating unnecessary regulations that he believes hinder Texas’s business climate.
Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi
Shehla Faizi, representing the Green Party, focuses on directing more resources toward renewable‑energy projects and climate‑resilient infrastructure. She argues that the comptroller’s office can play a pivotal role in financing clean‑energy initiatives that create jobs while protecting the environment.
Election logistics
Early voting runs Oct. 19‑30, with Election Day on Nov. 3. In addition to the comptroller race, Texas voters will decide on 38 U.S. House seats, four Texas Supreme Court seats, three Court of Criminal Appeals seats, three Court of Appeals seats, 16 state Senate seats, 150 state House seats, and eight State Board of Education seats.
The comptroller seat opened when former comptroller Glenn Hegar left the office last summer to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Acting comptroller Kelly Hancock filled the role temporarily before losing the Republican primary to Huffines.
How the Q&A works
Community Impact’s Q&A series aims to give voters a side‑by‑side view of each candidate’s positions. Candidates were asked to keep answers under 50 words, avoid attacking opponents, and respond to a standard set of questions. If a candidate did not reply after multiple attempts, the outlet notes that the candidate did not respond before press time.
For more detailed coverage of Texas races, visit Community Impact’s election hub.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Plano — read the source article.
