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

Asked why he is running, Sheets said in our candidate questionnaire: "Texas agriculture is in trouble. We're losing farms and working lands, input costs have soared, farmers and ranchers are keeping less of the food dollar, and threats like New World screwworm and massive bee losses are putting even more pressure on the people who feed us." He added: "I'm running because I'm passionate about strengthening the people who produce our food and improving the food we put on our families' tables."

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: "I am an entrepreneur, businessman, investor and rancher. I founded Nature Nate's Honey Co. and grew it from a single beehive into the #1 branded honey company in the United States. Today, I lead Honey Rock Group, our family investment company, and our ranching operations include raising stocker cattle and cutting horses. Earlier in my career, I worked in advertising and I spent more than a decade in Christian ministry and global missions."

Education: "B.B.A. in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University. I also served six years in the U.S. Navy Reserves."

Family: "My wife, Patty, and I have been married for 30 years. We have four children and a daughter-in-law."

Previous elected office: "None. I am a businessman, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, not a career politician."

Sheets is a fifth-generation Texan raised in the Texas Hill Country, according to his campaign website. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1988 to 1994, according to BallotReady.

He has received endorsements from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Gun Owners of Texas, Texas Alliance for Life and Texas Patriots PAC, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

Biggest challenges facing Texas agriculture: Sheets said in our questionnaire: "We're losing roughly 68 farms a week in Texas. That tells you the economics aren't working for too many farmers and ranchers." He said his focus would be on "fighting unnecessary regulations, protecting private property rights, strengthening water infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and helping producers find new and dependable markets for what they grow and raise."

Accomplishments and qualifications: "I am a veteran and built Nature Nate's from a single beehive into the #1 branded honey company in America," Sheets said in our questionnaire. He described his campaign motto as "Texans should feed Texans." He said: "Texas spends billions of dollars feeding students and through other institutional food purchases. We should work to keep more of those dollars in Texas, buying from Texas farmers and ranchers whenever possible."

School meal programs: Asked what changes he would make, Sheets said: "Texas ranks 44th in the nation in education. We can't expect to be No. 1 in the classroom if we're No. 44 at lunch." He said he would "work to increase fresh, minimally processed foods in our schools" and connect schools with Texas farmers and ranchers.

Hemp enforcement: Sheets said industrial hemp "is a legitimate agricultural commodity" and that Texas farmers should be able to grow and market it. On consumable hemp, he said: "Intoxicating products should not be allowed to exploit loopholes or be marketed as backdoor recreational marijuana." He added: "As a veteran, I also support regulated medical access for Texans, including veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain."

The race covers all of Texas.

North Texas relevance: Asked how the department's work affects suburban residents, Sheets said: "When you buy something by weight, the scale should be accurate. Texans work hard for their money, and one of the department's fundamental responsibilities is making sure they get what they pay for." He said he would focus on "efficient inspections, accountability and using technology to make enforcement smarter and faster."

Sheets' responses come from the Flower Mound Times candidate questionnaire and his campaign website. Answers have been edited for length. The Flower Mound Times does not endorse candidates.