North Texas Sen. Kelly Hancock will assume the responsibilities of acting comptroller on July 1 after current state Comptroller Glenn Hegar transitions to a new leadership role with the Texas A&M University System. The move comes after the system’s Board of Regents approved Hegar as the next chancellor of the university system.
Hancock, a Fort Worth native and entrepreneur, served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, leading communities in Tarrant County. The Baylor graduate brings a wealth of business and public sector experience to the position, which serves as the state’s chief financial officer and oversees the state treasury and other budgeting processes.
The former senator’s resignation is expected to lead to a special election to replace his seat for Senate District 9, which he has held since 2013. While there is no set date, the next special election will decide who will assume the former senator’s existing term through 2026, when the next primaries and midterm elections are scheduled.
Despite his assumption of acting comptroller, Hancock will not go unchallenged for the prized role. Christi Craddick, chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, and former state Senator and House Speaker Don Huffines have also pledged their candidacy for the role.
Hegar, who administered the oath of office to Hancock last week, will conclude his tenure at the state Comptroller’s Office after over ten years of public service. A graduate of St. Mary’s Law and Texas A&M, the former state representative and senator will now transition to a leadership role in one of the nation’s largest university systems.
The soon-to-be-former comptroller will replace the longest-tenured chancellor in Texas A&M history, Chancellor John Sharp, who served in this capacity for almost 14 years. Notably, Hegar was named the lone finalist for the chancellorship, before his unanimous approval by the Texas A&M Board of Regents.
Hegar will assume responsibility over some of the system’s most vital tools, including an over $7.3 billion budget, 11 universities and partnerships with eight state agencies. Bringing experience as a leader, former comptroller and law school graduate, Hegar anticipates creating additional economic opportunities for Texans, enhancing student experiences and serving residents throughout the state.
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