Clayton Tucker, a Democrat from Lampasas, is running for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Nate Sheets and Libertarian Austin R. Kelly.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Tucker said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running for Agriculture Commissioner to make food and farming affordable again and protect the water Texans depend on. Corporate monopolies squeeze family farmers while charging families more at the grocery store."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Education: Tucker said in our questionnaire that he earned a "Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Southwestern University to study International Politics with a minor in Mandarin, then to the National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan to study Mandarin." He graduated from Southwestern University in 2013, according to Ballotpedia.

Family: Asked about his family, Tucker said in our questionnaire: "My family has a ranch in Lampasas, the RX Ranch, where my grandfather put me to work as soon as I could wear my own boots. I spent weekends and summers there baling hay, mending fences, and caring for livestock while attending school in Georgetown during the week. I returned to Lampasas after working abroad and continue to manage the family ranch."

Occupation: Tucker said: "I'm a family rancher in Lampasas and a trade analyst for a nonprofit. … I serve as Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union and am a founding board member of Killeen Creators, a community garden organization."

Experience and public service

Tucker said his work history includes "water and agriculture policy research for the National Science Foundation, an internship at the Texas State Capitol, and work for an environmental compliance firm in Shanghai." He said he also taught kindergarten in Taipei and started a small business called Grassroots Nation. Tucker ran for Texas State Senate District 24 in 2020, according to his questionnaire response. He has not held elected or appointed office.

On the issues

Food affordability: Tucker said in our questionnaire: "I want to use the Department's purchasing power to bring more Texas-grown food into school meals, support local producers, and help end childhood hunger."

Data centers and water: Asked about the best advice he ever received, Tucker said "Neighbors help Neighbors" and connected it to data center development. He said in our questionnaire: "When we don't put enforceable guardrails around their design, placement, and purpose, they bring higher water and power bills, run our water wells dry, and blast our homes and livestock with high-decibel noise." Tucker said: "I will help local communities develop 'Ag Impact Studies' before any more data centers come for their land, their water, and their tax dollars. The Ag Impact Study will give local residents a chance to put the brakes on uncontrolled, irresponsible data center development."

Soil and environment: According to his BallotReady profile, Tucker said: "Soil erosion and degradation are a significant concern for securing our food supply. We must further research and promote sustainable and restorative practices to protect our soil."

Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments prepare him for the job, Tucker said in our questionnaire: "I grew up working on my family ranch, researched water and agriculture policy, and serve as the Texas Farmers Union Secretary. I know agriculture from the pasture to public policy."

The race is statewide. Tucker has received endorsements from the AFL-CIO, Texas AFT, the Dallas AFL-CIO Council and several regional labor organizations, according to BallotReady.

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire and BallotReady. Answers are presented verbatim.