Huffines Vows to Maintain Texas Voucher Program After Comptroller Win

The conservative firebrand praised the current handling of the program, including the ongoing block on Islamic schools.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Republican Don Huffines, who won the GOP nomination for Texas Comptroller, said he does not plan to disrupt the state's new $1 billion voucher program, a signature policy of his former political rival, Gov. Greg Abbott. Huffines praised the program's current management, including the ongoing block on Islamic schools, and said he is "excited" to work with Abbott on continuing the program's "smashing success."

Why it matters

The change in leadership at the Comptroller's office comes at a critical time for the voucher program, which is halfway through its first year with funding already flowing to families. The new Comptroller could play a role in pushing for additional funding for the program in the next legislative session.

The details

Huffines, an ultra-conservative firebrand, defeated Abbott's pick for the Comptroller job, acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who has run the voucher program in close coordination with the governor since July. Huffines praised Hancock's handling of the program, including the ongoing block on Islamic schools, and said he does not see a "big disruption" in the process as long as it is "going smoothly and being run effectively and managed." Huffines also said he and Abbott had a "very nice" phone call after the election and discussed working together on the voucher program.

  • The voucher program is halfway through its first year, with funding already flowing to families.
  • The new Comptroller will be in office as the program opens its second round of applications.

The players

Don Huffines

The Republican nominee for Texas Comptroller who vowed to maintain the state's $1 billion voucher program.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who implemented the voucher program, a signature policy of his administration.

Kelly Hancock

The acting Comptroller who has run the voucher program in close coordination with Gov. Abbott since July.

Sarah Eckhardt

The Democratic nominee for Texas Comptroller who is a vocal critic of the voucher program.

Mandy Drogin

A representative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which helped push the voucher policy through the state Legislature.

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What they’re saying

“We're not here to be disruptive. I don't see a big disruption in the process that's already started, as long as it's going smoothly and being run effectively and managed.”

— Don Huffines, Republican Nominee for Texas Comptroller (Houston Chronicle)

“I don't think that either of these gentlemen will let past politics get in the way. I think they are both committed to delivering education freedom and ensuring that that is continued in perpetuity here in Texas.”

— Mandy Drogin, Representative, Texas Public Policy Foundation (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The new Comptroller, Don Huffines, will take office in January 2027 and will oversee the continued implementation of the voucher program, including running the lottery to determine which families receive funding.

The takeaway

Despite their past political rivalry, Huffines and Gov. Abbott appear committed to working together to ensure the success of the state's new $1 billion voucher program, which has already attracted over 150,000 applications from Texas families seeking education freedom.