In the Press

Today, the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) AGFUND endorsed Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller.

“Kelly Hancock understands the issues facing agriculture and rural Texas,” said Russell Boening, President of the TFB AGFUND. “From protecting private property rights and opposing burdensome taxes, to safeguarding water access, strengthening right-to-farm protections, and standing against foreign ownership of Texas agricultural land, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a clear grasp of what producers need to succeed. His commitment to limited government, fiscal responsibility, and respect for landowners helps ensure a bright future for Texas agriculture and the providers of food and fiber who sustain our state for generations to come. We’re proud to endorse Kelly as our next Texas Comptroller.”

“I’m honored to earn the support of the voice of Texas agriculture,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “As Comptroller, I’ll continue fighting to keep taxes low and ensure government stays out of the way so farmers and ranchers can continue the work they do best. I’m proud to stand with the Texas Farm Bureau and will always fight to keep agriculture strong, independent, and Texas-owned.”

The TFB is the Voice of Texas Agriculture, representing more than 500,000 member families statewide. Its AGFUND serves as the political voice of those members, advocating for farmers and ranchers at every level of government.

Today, the Texas Retailers Association (TRA) endorsed Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller.

“We’re supporting Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller because he understands better than anyone how to keep the Texas economy growing for retailers, employees, and communities around the state,” said John McCord, Executive Director of TRA. “Texas retailers are the state’s largest employer by industry, supporting nearly 30% of all jobs. We need a Comptroller with the business, policy, and legislative experience to continue that growth — and Kelly Hancock is the one best prepared to do it. Kelly has been a strong supporter of the retail industry and its employees during his time in the Legislature and we look forward to supporting him in his new role.”

“Retail is the foundation of the Texas economy,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “State sales tax collections from retail activity compose most of our state revenue. Those dollars fund our schools, public safety, and other essential state services. These collections also serve as a key indicator of our economic health, and recent growth continues to point to a strong, resilient Texas economy. As Comptroller, I’ll continue making sure this industry can grow, hire, and keep Texas prosperous for generations to come.”

The Texas Retailers Association is an association of global, national, state, and local retail businesses dedicated to improving the lives of the consumers who power the Texas economic engine. We support industry through government advocacy and educational programs.

Today, the Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) endorsed Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller.

“Kelly Hancock has a proven record of fiscal responsibility and transparency that aligns with the values of our industry,” said Erika Boyd, President and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance. “As Comptroller, his leadership will ensure continued sound financial stewardship of the resources that sustain Texas’ economic growth. He understands the importance of maintaining a strong fiscal foundation for Texas, and his commitment to efficiency and accountability will help protect the resources that allow our industry – and our state – to thrive.”

“Travel connects Texans with every corner of our beautiful state, and brings millions of visitors here to experience what makes Texas special,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “This industry supports small businesses, fuels local economies, and employs more than a million Texans. As Comptroller, I’m committed to maintaining the strong fiscal foundation and predictable business climate the travel industry needs to thrive.”

The Texas Travel Alliance is the primary advocate and voice for the Texas travel industry, representing a diverse membership of Texas travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, transportation, and support businesses. The travel industry in Texas employs over 1.3 million Texans and has a $199.5 billion-dollar economic impact on the Texas economy. The Texas Travel Alliance strives to offer its members and their employees industry-leading education and professional development while advocating to strengthen travel in Texas.

Today, the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) endorsed Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller.

“Texas needs a Comptroller who understands what keeps our economy moving,” said John D. Esparza, President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association. “Kelly Hancock is the clear choice. In the Legislature, he consistently backed policies that strengthened a safe, dependable, and efficient transportation system. He also brings the perspective of a successful businessman who understands how stability, sound oversight, and efficient operations impact employers across the state. Our members, from single-truck operators to major carriers, rely on a Comptroller who recognizes trucking’s essential role in Texas’ growth. Kelly Hancock brings that leadership, and he has our full support.”

“I’m honored to earn the support of the Texas Trucking Association,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “Trucking is the backbone of our state’s economy — moving the goods, energy, and agricultural products that keep Texas growing. As Comptroller, I’ll continue championing policies that strengthen our freight network, cut unnecessary red tape, and ensure Texas remains the best place in America to build, move, and do business.”

Since 1932, TXTA has served as the unified voice for the trucking industry in Texas. TXTA is dedicated to advocating sound public policies, providing excellence in education, research, training and information, as well as promoting a safe, dependable and efficient motor transportation system. With hundreds of member companies across the state ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies along with the companies that provide them with products and services, TXTA members play a key role in deciding what issues we focus on and allow us to keep doing what we do best—making Texas a great state to own and operate a business.

Today, Music Venue Alliance – Texas endorsed Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller.

“Live music is the heartbeat of Texas culture and a major engine of economic success,” said Edwin Cabaniss, Chairman and Co-Founder of Music Venue Alliance – Texas. “Music venues generate billions in economic activity – supporting local hotels, restaurants, bars, and small businesses from rural towns to urban centers. Kelly was indispensable during COVID-19 as Chair of Senate Business and Commerce, cutting red tape and helping us safely reopen. We’re confident he’ll continue helping the industry grow as the next Texas Comptroller.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas Music Venue Alliance,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “Independent venues are where Texas talent is born. By reducing red tape and championing pro-business policies, we help these venues thrive and keep Texas music strong. Their success fuels jobs, tourism, and economic growth in every corner of our state.”

The Texas Music Venue Alliance was created in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to be a unified voice for the more than 800 small to midsize live music venues in Texas to create guidelines that prioritizes the safety of the venues, employees, artists and patrons during a live music event.

Texas Public Policy Foundation

On this special episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock for an in-depth discussion on the state of Texas’ finances. Comptroller Hancock explains how the Comptroller’s office manages the launch of the nation’s largest school choice program, ensures transparency in state budgeting, and delivers tax relief to families impacted by the recent Hill Country flooding.

NBC 5

Lone Star Politics speaks with Governor Greg Abbott and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. Abbott appointed a former state senator, Hancock, to fill out the rest of the term when the incumbent left.

WFAA

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock discussed important dates in Texas’ school voucher program.

Today, Arlington Police Association (APA) endorsed Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Texas Comptroller.

“Kelly Hancock is the kind of leader law enforcement can count on,” said Jesse Minton, President of the APA. “He understands that the first duty of government is to protect its citizens, and that requires being tough on crime and strong in support of those who wear the badge. Kelly has consistently backed the men and women of the Arlington Police – fighting for the resources we need, standing up for anti-crime measures that work, and making sure criminals know there’s no safe haven here. He has our full trust because he’s proven he will always stand with law enforcement and the people we protect.”

“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of the Arlington Police Association,” said Hancock. “The men and women of the Arlington Police Department are on the front lines every day – risking their lives to keep our neighborhoods safe, our schools secure, and our city thriving. I will always stand with our officers and fight to make sure they have the respect, support, and resources they deserve.”

Since 1976, the Arlington Police Association has represented the sworn and non-sworn employees of the Arlington Police Department – protecting the men and women that protect Arlington.

Today, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock officially filed with the Republican Party of Texas to continue serving as Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Governor Greg Abbott asked Hancock to serve as Acting Comptroller over five months ago to fill a vacancy as the state’s CFO. Governor Abbott has also endorsed his campaign, citing Hancock’s proven conservative leadership, small business experience, and undefeated electoral record against both Republicans and Democrats. Since stepping into the role, Hancock has strengthened transparency, cut regulatory barriers, and delivered real results for Texas taxpayers.

“In the past five months we’ve made incredible progress to protect taxpayers and grow the Texas economy,” said Acting Comptroller Hancock. “My goal in this office is to operate at the speed of business, not bureaucracy. I’m happy to say we’re doing that as we launch some historic programs like Texas Education Freedom, Texas DOGE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sheriff grants, and suspending DEI in state contracting. Texas is the eighth-largest economy in the world, and our mission is to keep it strong, competitive, and free. I’m committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and ensuring Texas remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Under Hancock’s leadership, the Comptroller’s office has:

• Prepared the largest day-one school choice program in U.S. history, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts.
• Banned DEI in state contracting by suspending the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program and beginning a full compliance review.
• Strengthened border security through new law enforcement grants supporting sheriffs who work directly with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain and remove criminal illegal immigrants.
• Appointed to Advisory Panel of the new Texas DOGE (Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office)
• Protected taxpayers by investigating local government fraud, waste, and abuse in partnership with the Texas Rangers and Attorney General’s Office
• Expanded transparency and modernization efforts, upgrading decades-old financial systems to streamline taxpayer services.

Hancock’s election record is also unmatched: he’s won every race he’s entered, from school board to State Representative to State Senator. In the Senate, he fought for a balanced budget by passing a spending cap, served on the budget-writing Finance Committee for a decade, and cut regulations by leading the Business and Commerce Committee. He worked with President Donald Trump and Governor Abbott to build the Texas border wall, fund border security, and support Operation Lone Star. He also sponsored key election integrity reforms, including ending straight-ticket voting in primary elections. Hancock voted for every property tax cut to cross his desk and continues fighting for Texans’ right to own their homes outright.

A broad coalition of Texas law enforcement, business, and industry leaders has endorsed Hancock’s campaign. He has earned the support of top public safety organizations including the Dallas Police Association, Ft. Worth Police Officers Association, Arlington Police Association, Houston Police Officers Union, DPS Officers Association, and CLEAT. He is also endorsed by major business and industry groups like Association of Builders and Contractors, Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Apartment Association PAC, Texas Trucking Association, plus rural and agricultural leaders like Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, and Rural Friends of Electric Cooperatives PAC.