New polling data reveals a stunning political development in the Texas Comptroller race: Texas First Pledge signer Don Huffines holds a commanding 30% to 16% lead over Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock in Texas Senate District 9—Hancock’s own home district.
The Stratus Intelligence survey of Republican primary voters shows Huffines nearly doubling Hancock’s support in what should be the acting comptroller’s strongest territory. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick trails at 12%, while 36% remain undecided in the March 2026 GOP primary.
The numbers tell a clear political story. Huffines built his lead through what the polling firm calls “strong support from the conservative base,” overperforming with Trump-aligned Republicans and high-propensity March primary voters. This represents exactly the coalition that sovereignty advocates need to advance Texas independence through electoral politics.
Hancock’s weakness appears both geographic and ideological, according to the polling analysis. Despite serving as the district’s state senator for over a decade before Governor Abbott appointed him acting comptroller, Hancock fails to consolidate his home base against a candidate championing Texas-first principles.
The implications extend far beyond one legislative district. Senate District 9 encompasses affluent suburban areas around Fort Worth—traditionally establishment Republican territory. If Huffines can dominate there with a sovereignty-focused message, it signals broader appetite for candidates who prioritize Texas autonomy over federal accommodation.
This polling validates the strategic importance of the comptroller’s office for Texas independence advocates. The position controls $60 billion in annual tax collections and manages the state’s financial infrastructure—critical functions for any movement toward sovereignty. Huffines understands this leverage, positioning his campaign around fiscal responsibility and Texas-controlled governance.
The timing proves significant as well. Texas First Pledge candidates have gained momentum throughout 2025, with over 190 signers now committed to advancing Texas sovereignty through state government. Huffines’ polling strength demonstrates that grassroots voters respond to candidates who reject federal overreach and embrace local control.
Hancock’s struggles reflect broader establishment vulnerabilities. Despite Abbott’s endorsement and the advantages of incumbency, he cannot match Huffines’ appeal to conservative primary voters who increasingly view federal authority with suspicion. The acting comptroller represents continuity with existing systems, while Huffines offers transformation toward Texas independence.
The undecided percentage—36%—suggests significant room for movement before the primary. But Huffines enters that battle from a position of strength, having established clear ideological positioning and demonstrated grassroots appeal in what should be hostile territory.
For Texas Nationalist Movement supporters, these numbers provide concrete evidence that sovereignty messaging resonates with Republican primary voters. When candidates embrace Texas First principles and articulate clear alternatives to federal dependency, they build winning coalitions even against well-funded establishment opponents.
The comptroller’s race now becomes a critical test case for the broader independence movement. If Huffines can maintain his lead and win the primary, it proves that Texas sovereignty advocates can capture key state offices through electoral politics rather than just advocacy.
That path forward—taking control of state institutions one election at a time—offers the most realistic route toward Texas independence. Huffines’ polling dominance in Hancock’s backyard shows the strategy is working.
