New Mexico Lawmakers Order Probe into MAGA Candidate's Purchase of Epstein's Zorro Ranch

Don Huffines, a Trump loyalist running for state comptroller, bought the infamous property in 2023 using a limited liability company.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The New Mexico Legislature has voted unanimously to establish an investigatory subcommittee into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch, which was recently revealed to have been purchased by MAGA millionaire and political candidate Don Huffines in 2023. Huffines, a loyal supporter of former President Donald Trump whose son holds a high-level position in the Trump administration, purchased the 7,600-acre property using a limited liability company created just weeks before the purchase. The property was reportedly central to Epstein's disturbing plan to 'seed the human race with his DNA' and is also alleged to have been the burial site of 'two foreign girls,' according to an FBI tip.

Why it matters

The purchase of Epstein's former property by a high-profile political candidate has raised concerns and sparked a legislative investigation in New Mexico. The probe will examine the circumstances surrounding the sale and any potential connections between Huffines, the Trump administration, and the alleged criminal activities that took place at the Zorro Ranch.

The details

Huffines remained silent on the purchase of the Zorro Ranch until Monday, when he released a statement claiming he had renamed the property 'San Rafael' and planned to turn it into a Christian retreat. However, his purchase of the infamous property through a limited liability company has drawn widespread criticism and scrutiny, with some accusing him of using 'last-minute lies and dirty tricks' to deflect attention from the investigation.

  • In 2023, Huffines purchased the Zorro Ranch using a limited liability company created just weeks before the purchase.
  • On February 17, 2026, the New Mexico Legislature voted unanimously to establish an investigatory subcommittee into the Zorro Ranch.

The players

Don Huffines

A MAGA millionaire and political candidate who purchased the Zorro Ranch in 2023 using a limited liability company.

Zack Nelson

A prominent tech reviewer who taunted Huffines on social media about the investigation into the Zorro Ranch purchase.

Melanie Stansbury

A Democratic representative in the New Mexico Legislature who celebrated the probe into Huffines' purchase of the Zorro Ranch and highlighted his connections to the Trump administration.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender whose Zorro Ranch property was purchased by Huffines in 2023.

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration employed Huffines' son in a high-level position.

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What they’re saying

“'Sleep tight Don Huffines!' Now would be a good time to start helping the investigation. Trump can't pardon state crimes.”

— Zack Nelson, Tech reviewer (X)

“'What the enemy once meant for evil, God can redeem for good. That's why we renamed the property San Rafael, after the saint associated with physical and spiritual healing, and began plans immediately to remake it as a Christian retreat, reclaiming it for Jesus. Even the new entrance will reflect that mission and will read, 'BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO COME IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.'”

— Don Huffines (X)

“'What is interesting is Mr. Huffines is running for public office to be the state comptroller, and used an LLC as a shell company to purchase that property through his wife as a trustee. It's also interesting to note that his son is currently serving as a high-level political appointee in the Trump administration. Now, we don't know if these ties mean anything, but what we do know is that this property is a property in which multiple survivors have reported abuse... We want to know what happened on this ranch.'”

— Melanie Stansbury, Democratic Representative, New Mexico (Social media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the investigatory subcommittee to proceed with its probe into Huffines' purchase of the Zorro Ranch.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and concerns surrounding the connections between powerful political figures, their associates, and the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged criminal activities. The investigation into Huffines' purchase of the Zorro Ranch will likely continue to generate significant public interest and debate around issues of transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the political process.