Eckhardt Wins Texas Comptroller Race Over Huffines

Democratic state senator Sarah Eckhardt defeats Republican Don Huffines, who had been appointed to the post by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified capitol dome silhouette in deep red and cream against a flat horizon. — Democrat Sarah Eckhardt defeated Republican Don Huffines on Tuesday to win the Texas comptroller race, which oversees state finances and tax collection. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt of Austin won the Texas Comptroller election with 51% of the vote to Republican Don Huffines's 46%. Huffines had been appointed to the position by Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 1.

Why it matters

The Comptroller oversees state finances and tax collection, so the outcome determines who leads that office for Texas residents and businesses. Eckhardt said she is running to restore trust and accountability in government.

Eckhardt won 51% of the vote to Huffines's 46% in the statewide election held Tuesday. Huffines had held the office since his appointment by Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 1.

The players

Sarah Eckhardt

Sarah Eckhardt is a Democratic state senator from Austin who previously served as Travis County commissioner from 2006 to 2013 and has represented Travis County in the Texas Senate since 2020.

Don Huffines

Don Huffines is a Republican who was appointed Texas Comptroller by Gov. Greg Abbott and lost the subsequent election to Eckhardt.

Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott is the Governor of Texas who appointed Don Huffines to the office of Comptroller on Aug. 1.

The details

Votes were tallied in the statewide election held Tuesday. Eckhardt campaigned on restoring trust and accountability in government and won the race over Huffines.

Aug. 1: Gov. Greg Abbott appoints Don Huffines as Texas Comptroller.
Tuesday: Statewide election is held and votes are tallied.

Political Context

The Comptroller of Public Accounts collects state revenue and certifies the state budget, making it one of the most consequential statewide offices in Texas. The race follows Abbott's appointment of Huffines, which placed an appointee in the post before voters had chosen a Comptroller.

Eckhardt's win determines who sets the Comptroller's revenue estimates and certifies state spending. Texans who depend on state services and tax policy will see the results of that leadership change.

The takeaway

Voters chose a Comptroller through the ballot after the office had been held by a gubernatorial appointee. The result shows Texas voters deciding a statewide finance post directly rather than through appointment.