AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday appointed former Republican state Sen. Don Huffines as Texas comptroller of public accounts through the end of the year after acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced his resignation.
Hancock submitted his resignation letter to Abbott on Wednesday and will leave office at the end of the month.
Huffines, the Republican nominee for comptroller, defeated Hancock in the GOP primary in March. He will face Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt of Austin in the November general election for a full term.
Abbott said Huffines’ business background and conservative record made him qualified to lead the agency.
“Don Huffines brings the right mix of business experience and conservative principles to this vital office,” Abbott said in a statement. “His private-sector experience and dedication to limited government make him exceptionally qualified to lead the state’s finances and protect every taxpayer dollar with integrity and accountability.”