Fate Tribune

09/18/2025

🚨Important Announcement 🚨

In order to save time and streamline publication, I am consolidating all Trophy Club Media properties, including the Fate Tribune, into a single publication ... Pipkins Reports.

This means all local, county, state, and federal articles will be combined into a single website and page. I'm asking all readers to migrate over to the new page and like/follow me there because all NEW content will be published on that page going forward.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 😉

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Pipkins Reports: In-depth journalism & commentary from Michael Pipkins on Texas politics and news, plus national stories impacting Texans. From North to South, East to West—uncovering truths since 2016. Unbiased insights for Lone Star voices!

09/08/2025

A great strategy that Fate might want to consider. If an apartment building is "required" to be 6-7 stories in height, it will effectively kill the project before it even begins. Why?

Because at 65' height, a building must meet the building requirements of a high-rise. Generally, after 5 stories, you hit that limit. Once you are required to conform to the high-rise code you introduce a bunch of new fire codes, elevator codes, power requirements, FAA restrictions, exiting requirements, general building structure upgrades, and more.

These codes dramatically increase the cost of a project. Typically, the break-even point is around 10 stories. That is why you rarely see buildings between 5-9 stories. Once you become a high-rise, you might as well go all in.

So, if you can force a builder to be in the range of 6-7 stories, it just doesn't make economic sense ... and the likelihood of an apartment being built is effectively zero.

Suburban officials in the Dallas-Fort Worth region have enacted rules aimed at curtailing a sweeping new state law to allow more apartments.

08/29/2025

Rockwall ISD’s Tax Grab: Unraveling the Half-Truths Behind Their VATRE Push

Rockwall County, TX – In the heart of Texas, where fiscal conservatism should reign supreme, Rockwall Independent School District is once again testing the waters of taxpayer tolerance. On Monday, the RISD Board of Trustees voted to call a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) for November 4—Proposition A on the ballot, no less—promising voters a chance to unlock over $16.5 million annually for staff pay hikes, student programs, special education, and school safety. Sounds noble, right? But peel back the layers, and what emerges is a tapestry of half-truths, misleading claims, and outright fiscal sleight-of-hand designed to squeeze more from hardworking families without the accountability that true conservatives demand.

Let’s start with the basics. RISD touts this as a modest “net 4-cent” increase in the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate. How do they get there? By first approving an 8-cent cut to the Interest & Sinking (I&S) rate—the part that funds debt service—and then slapping on 12 new cents for operations. Presto: a “net” hike that they claim is 66% less burdensome than last year’s failed proposal. But here’s the rub: This isn’t some benevolent tax relief; it’s a shell game. The I&S reduction might sound like savings, but it’s largely illusory for many taxpayers, especially when coupled with rising property values that already inflate bills. And that average impact? They peg it at $160 a year, or about $13 a month. For a district serving growing suburbs east of Dallas, that’s no small change for families already grappling with inflation and Biden-era economic woes.

RISD’s pitch leans heavily on urgency: Without this cash infusion, they warn, teachers and staff might flee to greener pastures, class sizes could balloon, programs might get axed, and fees could rise. It’s the classic bureaucratic bogeyman—vote yes or watch the system crumble. But dig into the numbers, and the narrative crumbles faster than a poorly built school foundation. According to data from the Houston Chronicle for the 2023-2024 school year, Rockwall ISD’s average teacher salary stands at $64,700. Compare that to neighbors: Royse City ISD at $63,100, Forney at $62,100, Terrell at $63,000, Community at $63,600, and even Wylie lagging at $55,200. Only Garland ISD edges ahead at $67,700. So, where’s the mass exodus? RISD isn’t scraping the bottom; it’s competitively positioned, if not outright leading in many cases. Claims of uncompetitive pay ring hollow—more like a pretext to pad budgets without proving results.

And let’s not gloss over their boast that RISD is “one of only four districts in our area” without VATRE funds and the sole holdout in House District 33. This isn’t a badge of fiscal honor; it’s spun as a disadvantage, implying they’re uniquely starved. But why the rush now? Texas schools have long navigated funding formulas that reward efficiency, and conservatives know that more money doesn’t always mean better outcomes—especially when it’s extracted straight from taxpayers’ pockets without the market discipline of bonds. Speaking of which: RISD insists this won’t increase district debt, and technically, they’re right—no new bonds here. But that’s no virtue. Bonds at least offer investors a return, creating some semblance of accountability. This VATRE? It’s direct taxation for operational slush funds, with vague promises on spending: “employee compensation, school safety, special education, and student programs.” No specifics, no metrics for success, just trust us.

Then there’s the sweetener: A constitutional amendment on the ballot for an extra $40,000 homestead exemption, which they say will soften the blow for average homeowners. Seniors over 65? Unaffected, as long as no home improvements. Convenient, but incomplete. What about the broader picture? Property taxes in Texas remain a regressive beast, disproportionately hitting fixed-income folks and small businesses. This exemption might nibble at the edges, but it doesn’t erase the net increase RISD is pushing. And for those eyeing the fine print, the district’s “Simple Truths” website and VATRE2025 page are trotted out as educational tools—yet they read more like polished PR than transparent accounting.

As a constitutional conservative, I see this for what it is: Another layer of government overreach masquerading as necessity. Texas thrives when we prioritize limited government, low taxes, and personal responsibility—not when school boards play fast and loose with facts to fund ever-expanding bureaucracies. Voters, mark your calendars: Register by October 6, early voting October 20-31. But before you cast that ballot, ask yourself—do half-truths deserve your hard-earned dollars? Rockwall deserves better than this tax-and-spend charade. Let’s demand real reforms, not rubber stamps.

Pipkins Reports will continue monitoring this story. This story first appeared in PipkinsReports.com

08/26/2025

Rockwall ISD’s New VATRE: A Tax Hike Disguised as Compassion

Opinion. Rockwall ISD is once again coming to the voters with hat in hand, this time proposing another Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). If you’ve listened to their messaging, you’ve heard carefully crafted lines about “funding for children,” “supporting teachers,” and “keeping schools safe.” Their webpage even declares, “Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE does not create new debt for the district.”

What they hope you don’t notice—because it’s buried under emotional appeals and PR spin—is that the VATRE is, in fact, a property tax increase. By their own admission, if voters approve this measure, the tax rate will be set at $1.0669 per $100 valuation, which translates into a four-cent net tax increase. That means more money coming out of your pocket in a time when inflation, grocery bills, and housing costs are already crushing Texas families.

This isn’t about children. It’s about money. And Rockwall ISD is hoping you won’t look too closely.

What Rockwall ISD Doesn’t Want You to Focus On

The district’s page admits the VATRE would generate $16.5 million more in local funding, supposedly earmarked for teacher pay, special education, and security measures. The spin is clever: they frame it as “just” $13 a month for the average household. But what they won’t tell you is that taxes always move one direction—up. This VATRE may be four cents today, but it sets the precedent for more tomorrow.

Let’s be clear: this is not a “cost-saving” measure, despite their claims. It is a transfer of wealth from taxpayers to the district’s administrators, who have a long history of mismanaging resources.

The Emotional Blackmail Campaign

If you’ve lived in Rockwall County for any length of time, you’ve seen this playbook before. School officials and their allies will:

Claim it’s for the children. Oppose the VATRE? Then you must hate kids. Expect to hear warnings about larger class sizes, fewer extracurriculars, or cuts to beloved programs if this measure fails. They want you to feel responsible for hypothetical suffering.

Invoke teacher martyrdom. We’ll be told, once again, that teachers are spending out of pocket for classroom supplies. While it is true that many teachers sacrifice for their students, it’s also true that RISD’s administration allocates significant funds to bureaucracy, consultants, and pet projects before putting money where it actually matters—the classroom. Throwing more taxpayer dollars into the same broken system doesn’t solve the problem.

Raise the safety alarm. In recent years, “safety and security” has become the go-to justification for more spending. But safety has no end point. How much is “enough”? The district has yet to prove that previous funds earmarked for safety have been used effectively.

And when emotional appeals fail? That’s when the shaming begins. Dissenters will be accused of being anti-education, anti-child, or even anti-teacher. They will call you selfish, greedy, or ignorant. This is the district’s last refuge: if persuasion doesn’t work, intimidation might.

The Machine Behind the Messaging

This isn’t just a few parents or administrators asking nicely. Rockwall ISD has quietly activated a network of political action committees (PACs) and advocacy groups to push the VATRE. Teachers are being fed talking points and coached on how to present the measure to their friends, neighbors, and church groups. The teachers’ union is involved too, ensuring the campaign looks like a grassroots movement when, in reality, it is an orchestrated lobbying effort funded by taxpayers’ own money.

Let’s not pretend otherwise: this is propaganda. And it’s designed to manipulate the very people footing the bill.

Who Really Benefits?

The district says this money will go toward “teacher and staff pay, underfunded special education, and safety.” But let’s ask a basic question: why are these essential services always the first to be threatened when districts want more money?

Why not cut bloated administration salaries first? Why not trim back the endless layers of consultants, contractors, and bureaucratic staffers who never step foot in a classroom? Why not prioritize spending for the essentials before asking taxpayers for more?

The answer is simple: threatening “the children” is politically effective. Bureaucrats know that no parent wants to imagine their child losing out on opportunity, so they dangle the worst-case scenario in front of voters to secure more funding.

The Conservative Case Against the VATRE

We believe in strong schools, but strong schools are not the same as ever-growing school budgets. Accountability matters. Stewardship matters. If Rockwall ISD cannot manage its existing funds responsibly, why should voters reward them with more?

Texans are already overtaxed. Property taxes in Rockwall County are among the highest in the state. Families are struggling under skyrocketing appraisals, utility hikes, and inflation. The district’s message—“It’s just $13 a month”—is insulting. For many families, that’s groceries, gas, or part of a prescription co-pay. In a time when every dollar counts, the district wants to take more.

The VATRE is not about helping children. It is about feeding a system that always wants more but refuses to live within its means.

Conclusion: Hold the Line

On Election Day, Rockwall County voters will face a simple choice: approve another tax increase, or demand accountability.

If you oppose the VATRE, you’re not against children. You’re not against teachers. You’re for responsible government. You’re for prioritizing classroom needs over bloated bureaucracy. You’re for families already struggling to stay afloat in a tough economy.

The district will try to make you feel guilty. They will tug at your heartstrings and, if that fails, they will call you names. Don’t fall for it.

The VATRE is a tax increase, plain and simple. Rockwall ISD doesn’t need more of your money. They need to spend what they already have more wisely.

Vote NO on the VATRE.

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This post first appeared in the Fate Tribune.
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08/12/2025

Lorne Megyesi’s Record and Bankruptcy Should Give Rockwall Voters Pause

Former Fate Mayor is making a run for John Stacy’s seat on the County Commission.

Opinion: Fate, TX - Former Fate Mayor Lorne Megyesi is asking the voters of Rockwall County Precinct 4 to entrust him with a multi-million-dollar county budget. His campaign says he offers “transparency, fiscal discipline, and thoughtful planning.” But his record as mayor and his personal financial history tell a very different story.

A Mayor Who Left a Mess Behind
From 2014 to 2019, Megyesi presided over a period of rapid, developer-driven growth in Fate that left deep marks on the city’s character and infrastructure.

High-density subdivisions were approved at a staggering pace, with little consideration for the long-term impacts on roads, schools, or utilities. City planning under Megyesi seemed focused more on accommodating developers than on safeguarding the small-town feel that residents valued.

Public meetings often left citizens frustrated, as major zoning changes were pushed forward with minimal explanation or engagement. Today, the current Fate City Council is actively working to undo many of the planning and zoning policies from his administration—policies that are now widely seen as short-sighted and detrimental to the city’s long-term stability.

This is the reality behind Megyesi’s claim that he “helped guide the city through a period of rapid growth while maintaining its hometown spirit.” The truth is, Fate is still trying to recover from his brand of “planning.”

The Bankruptcy Question
Voters evaluating a candidate for a role that involves budget oversight and fiscal decision-making have a right to consider his personal financial record. In Megyesi’s case, that record includes a personal bankruptcy filed in Portland, Oregon—Case , discharged in 2000.

The Fate Tribune reached out to Megyesi for comment and he provided this personal statement about his bankruptcy:

“In late 1999, I suffered a severe back injury that greatly impacted my ability to work and provide for my family. Like many Americans, I faced a season of financial hardship that was not the result of irresponsibility, but of unexpected life circumstances beyond my control. In such cases, the Bible acknowledges both the reality of debt and the provision for its release. In Deuteronomy 15, God Himself established a system of debt forgiveness not to reward poor choices, but to give people a fresh start and restore them to productivity. Our own bankruptcy laws reflect this same principle, ensuring that when someone is knocked down, they have a lawful, honorable path to get back on their feet.

I made the decision to use the legal framework available, a framework our Founders wisely incorporated into our system so that I could recover, rebuild, and once again contribute to my family, my church, and my community. That experience taught me the value of stewardship, perseverance, and compassion for those who face unforeseen hardship. I paid the price, I learned the lessons, and I came back stronger. Today, I stand not as someone defined by that moment of difficulty, but as someone equipped to fight for policies that strengthen families, reward hard work, and extend grace where grace is due just as Scripture commands.”

His explanation is sincere, and no one should dismiss the real impact of medical hardship. But bankruptcy—whether caused by poor judgment or bad fortune—is still a critical factor when voters are deciding who should manage public money. This is not a personal attack; it is a matter of qualification and trust.

County commissioners oversee large budgets, make fiscal policy decisions, and control spending priorities. A candidate’s ability to handle personal finances responsibly is not irrelevant—it’s central to the job.

The Core Issue: Record vs. Rhetoric
Megyesi’s campaign promises sound good—transparency, fiscal discipline, thoughtful planning—but they ring hollow in light of his record. His years as mayor saw opaque governance, developer-friendly zoning, and long-term infrastructure strains. His financial past, while explained as the product of hardship, still raises serious concerns about whether he’s the right person to be a steward of taxpayer funds.

Rockwall County voters must decide: Do they want someone with a proven track record of fiscal prudence and responsive leadership, or someone whose past in both public office and personal finance raises legitimate questions?

The people of Precinct 4 deserve leadership that inspires confidence—not déjà vu from the mistakes of Fate’s past.

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This post first appeared in the Fate Tribune. Visit our website at FateTribune.com for more news & commentary of Fate and Rockwall County.

07/11/2025

Fate City Manager Michael Kovacs Employment Agreement

Here is a comprehensive summary of the benefits Michael W. Kovacs receives under his 2022 employment agreement as City Manager of the City of Fate, Texas, which we received under a public information request.

An actual copy of the document is provided on our website.

💼 Compensation & Salary
Base Salary: $202,436.34 annually, paid biweekly.
Salary Adjustments: Automatically increased in accordance with any general cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) applied to executive-level employees.

Performance-Based Raises: Salary and/or benefits may increase based on annual performance evaluations.
Salary Floor: Cannot be reduced below the base salary without mutual written agreement.

🏥 Health, Disability & Life Insurance
Full Coverage: City pays 100% of premiums for health, hospitalization, surgical, dental, vision, and comprehensive medical insurance for Kovacs and his dependents.

Life Insurance: City pays for a policy worth three times his annual salary. Policy is owned by Kovacs; premiums treated as taxable income.

🕒 Paid Time Off (PTO) & Leave
Accrues PTO under the same policies as other employees.
May accrue and carry forward unused PTO.
Upon termination (excluding resignation or retirement), will be compensated for all unused PTO.
Entitled to military leave under the same provisions as all employees.

🚗 Automobile Allowance
Receives $7,000 annually (paid monthly) for vehicle purchase, lease, operation, and maintenance.
May request IRS standard mileage reimbursement for official business beyond 100 miles from Fate.

🏦 Retirement Benefits
Enrolled in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).

📚 Professional Development & Memberships
City pays for:
Membership dues (e.g., ICMA and other professional associations).
Travel and expenses for attending national, regional, state, and local meetings and conferences.

Short courses, institutes, seminars for professional growth.
Membership fees for local civic clubs or organizations.
Reasonable expenses for job-related meals and social engagements.

Provided laptop, mobile phone, and/or tablet for business and personal use (must return upon termination).

🛡️ Severance Package
If terminated without cause:
Receives 12 months’ salary as severance.
Includes accrued PTO and continued health benefits (subject to caps).

Severance is forfeited if:
Terminated for a felony, moral turpitude misdemeanor, or conflict-of-interest violations.
Resigns voluntarily or retires.

🏠 Residency Requirement
Must maintain residence within Fate city limits.

🕰️ Work Schedule & Expectations
Flexible hours expected, including significant time outside normal office hours.
May establish own work schedule as long as job duties are fulfilled.

⚖️ Indemnification & Legal Support
City will indemnify and defend Kovacs (including attorney’s fees, costs, settlements, etc.) for any legal actions related to his job unless his actions involve gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct.

Continues to receive legal support and reasonable consulting fees/travel expenses even after separation, if related to job duties or litigation where he is a witness/advisor.
Independent legal representation available upon request, at City’s expense (within reason).

📉 Suspension & Termination
May be suspended with full pay and benefits by majority City Council vote.
Kovacs must receive written notice of charges within 10 days and can request a hearing (open or closed session).

📜 Ethical Standards & Restrictions
Prohibited from:
Endorsing candidates.
Donating to campaigns.
Participating in political fundraising or petitions.
Protected from being ordered to violate these principles by any City official.
Must uphold ICMA Code of Ethics.

📈 Outside Activities
May engage in teaching or consulting only with prior approval of the City Council.
Such work must not interfere with City duties or present conflicts of interest.

📑 Other Provisions
Bonding: City pays for any fidelity or similar bonds required by law.
Dispute Resolution: Parties must attempt non-binding mediation before filing any lawsuit.
Precedence Clause: Terms of this agreement supersede conflicting City policies or laws (unless prohibited by law).

06/24/2025

Abbott Signs Law That Quietly Undermines the Fed—Did Texas Just Declare Financial Independence?

Gov. Greg Abbott Signs HB 1056: Texas Lays Groundwork for Financial Sovereignty in Push Against Federal Overreach

Austin, TX – A new law that has received little attention from the mainstream media may prove to be one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in Texas history. Governor Greg Abbott quietly signed House Bill 1056 into law on June 20, 2025. The bill, championed by Rep. Mark Dorazio (R-San Antonio), authorizes the Texas State Comptroller to invest state funds in precious metals—including gold and silver—and even to receive payments in those metals.

While seemingly a narrow fiscal policy bill at first glance, HB 1056 could signal something far more significant: a calculated step toward insulating Texas from federal economic instability and laying the groundwork for financial independence. Some constitutional conservatives and proponents of the Texas sovereignty movement are hailing the bill as a landmark moment in the long march toward a truly sovereign Texas.

What HB 1056 Actually Does
HB 1056 permits the Texas Comptroller to accept gold or silver as payment for state services and taxes, and it explicitly empowers the Comptroller to invest state holdings in precious metals. Notably, the law allows the state to store and manage its bullion within the Texas Bullion Depository, a facility that has quietly grown in significance since its establishment in 2015.

Texas is the only U.S. state to operate its own bullion depository—a fact many in the media have dismissed or ignored. But for lawmakers and citizens who view Washington, D.C. as bloated, irresponsible, and even hostile to traditional American values, HB 1056 is not just about monetary diversification. It’s about survival.

Why This Matters: Sovereignty Through Sound Money
For decades, the U.S. dollar has been decoupled from any hard asset. Since President Nixon officially closed the gold window in 1971, the dollar has been backed only by the “full faith and credit” of the federal government—an increasingly unstable foundation, given Washington’s $34 trillion national debt, inflationary monetary policy, and a weaponized financial system.

HB 1056 offers Texas an escape hatch.

“Gold and silver are real money—Biblical money, Constitutional money,” said Rep. Dorazio during the bill’s floor debate. “If we want Texas to be resilient to federal mismanagement and abuse, we need to hold real assets that Washington can’t inflate away.”

Though Texas isn’t leaving the Union tomorrow, proponents of Texit or other sovereignty measures see HB 1056 as a concrete step toward de-risking the state’s financial position. By increasing its holdings in gold and silver, Texas shields itself from dollar devaluation, Fed monetary policy misfires, and potential banking instability. In short: the bill is a hedge against a system spiraling out of control.

Building a Financial Ark
For years, economists have warned that the Federal Reserve’s endless money-printing—whether through quantitative easing, pandemic bailouts, or more recently, Green New Deal-style stimulus—has created a massive bubble in the U.S. economy. Inflation continues to outpace wage growth. Americans are losing purchasing power at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, federal regulators have openly floated the idea of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which critics argue could usher in an Orwellian level of financial surveillance and control.

HB 1056 plants a Texas flag firmly against that tide.

By investing state wealth in hard assets, Texas is functionally building its own financial ark. This legislation, coupled with the infrastructure of the Texas Bullion Depository, positions the Lone Star State to establish an alternative monetary system if and when the U.S. dollar falters.

“If the federal government continues down its current path, there may come a time when Texans need to rely on something other than the dollar,” said Thomas R., an economic policy analyst and longtime advocate for decentralization. “Texas is preparing for that eventuality, and HB 1056 is one piece of that puzzle.”

Constitutional and Historical Foundation
The United States Constitution itself permits states to make gold and silver legal tender (Article I, Section 10). HB 1056 takes this principle off the parchment and applies it to the 21st century.

Texas, with its independent streak and unique legal status as a formerly sovereign republic, is well positioned to reclaim the concept of sound money. HB 1056 doesn’t just allow the use of precious metals; it institutionalizes it. Over time, this may lead to the formation of parallel financial systems within the state—systems not reliant on fiat currency or federal institutions.

This legislative direction also dovetails with other sovereignty-minded efforts in Texas. From border security initiatives where the state has challenged federal inaction, to legislative proposals pushing back on ESG mandates and federal overreach in education, the broader picture is emerging: Texas is charting a course that anticipates national instability.

A Path to Wealth and Independence
There’s a strong economic argument to be made for this new law as well. As the state moves more of its investments into hard assets, it not only reduces exposure to inflation, but also increases the potential for asset appreciation. Gold and silver have historically held or increased their value during times of economic uncertainty, war, and inflation—conditions that are increasingly becoming the norm.

By becoming a regional center for precious metal transactions and storage, Texas could attract a wave of capital, commerce, and innovation. The state is already home to energy wealth, agriculture, tech, and manufacturing. Now it’s laying the foundations to become a monetary safe haven as well.

Texans may soon be able to pay their property taxes in silver rounds or buy government services with bullion-backed accounts. This shift isn’t merely symbolic—it’s functional.

And should the federal government move toward implementing a CBDC that tracks, controls, or restricts spending based on political views or “carbon footprints,” Texas will have already created an off-ramp.

National Reaction: Silence or Skepticism
Unsurprisingly, national media outlets have ignored the passage of HB 1056, and few in D.C. are willing to engage the implications. But that silence may itself be telling.

“I think they’re hoping if they don’t talk about it, it won’t catch on,” said a former Treasury Department official who now consults on state-level finance issues. “But Texas isn’t alone. Other states are watching this closely—Utah, Wyoming, even Florida.”

The Quiet Revolution
HB 1056 wasn’t signed with fanfare. No parades. No press tour. No national interviews. But that may have been intentional.

Like so many of Texas’ most impactful political decisions, this law was signed quietly, methodically—another brick in the fortress being built around the Lone Star State’s autonomy.

“This is not secession,” said Rep. Dorazio. “This is preparation.”

The coming years may reveal whether that preparation was prophetic—or essential.

*** This post first appeared in the Fate Tribune. Michael Pipkins is a seasoned writer, publisher, investigative journalist, and political commentator with over a decade of experience. Read more at FateTribune . com

06/20/2025

Abbott ... doing Abbott things.

Abbott’s Backroom Play: How Greg Abbott Used a Legal Loophole to Install Kelly Hancock as Texas Comptroller Without Senate Confirmation

In a calculated maneuver that has sent shockwaves through grassroots conservative circles, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has bypassed the standard legislative confirmation process to install outgoing State Senator Kelly Hancock into the role of Texas Comptroller—without the public scrutiny, vetting, or constitutional confirmation typically required by law.

The move, which critics are calling a “legal sleight of hand” and a “raw power grab,” appears designed to give Hancock the advantage of incumbency ahead of the 2026 Republican primary, where he’ll face two formidable, independently-minded opponents: former State Senator Don Huffines and current Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick.

But beyond its political implications, the scheme raises deeper questions about rule of law, the erosion of constitutional norms in Texas governance, and whether voters are being force-fed another establishment pick wrapped in a bow of bureaucratic trickery.

The Setup: Avoid the Constitution, Install a Loyalist
On June 19, Hancock formally resigned from the Texas Senate and was immediately sworn in—not as Comptroller—but as “chief clerk” of the Comptroller’s office by outgoing Comptroller Glenn Hegar. That title, while bureaucratically bland, comes with sweeping authority over the agency’s operations for the remainder of Hegar’s term, which runs through January 2027.

Hegar, who is leaving to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System on July 1, heaped praise on Hancock and handed him the reins with the enthusiastic blessing of Abbott.

But here’s the catch: Abbott didn’t appoint Hancock as Comptroller—a move that would have triggered mandatory Senate confirmation under Texas law. Instead, Hancock’s insertion as “chief clerk” is a workaround—a newly invented interim title designed to give him all the power of the office, with none of the accountability.

The workaround skirts a 2002 legal opinion written by none other than then-Attorney General Greg Abbott himself. That opinion declared that a sitting legislator cannot be appointed to a position requiring Senate confirmation during the term for which they were elected. Hancock’s resignation was intended to dodge that prohibition, yet critics say he still falls under constitutional limits due to Texas’ “holdover” clause—a provision that allows legislators to technically retain office until a successor is qualified.

In plain terms: Hancock may not be legally out of the Senate yet, and therefore not legally eligible to hold this new office either.

The Real Goal: An Unelected Incumbency
Why the rush to appoint a placeholder Comptroller for a year and a half? The answer is pure politics: incumbency.

Abbott and his allies understand the power of incumbency in statewide races. Name recognition, official letterhead, media exposure, and the implied authority of office all combine to give Hancock a serious leg up over his grassroots challengers. By installing him now, Abbott ensures that his preferred successor runs not as a candidate—but as the sitting Comptroller.

Hancock wasted no time launching his campaign. Within hours of his swearing-in, he rolled out a slick announcement touting his legislative experience, fiscal conservatism, and support for border security. But that very record is already drawing fire from conservatives, especially his vote to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton and his siding with Democrats to dilute a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying.

That record hasn’t gone unnoticed by primary voters, either.

Don Huffines: “They Fear You”
Former State Senator Don Huffines didn’t mince words in his response.

“The political elite are manipulating the system to install another go-along-to-get-along lap dog as State Comptroller,” Huffines said. “They don’t just fear me—they fear you, the taxpayers.”

Huffines, who has already earned endorsements from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Ron Paul, and a majority of the State Republican Executive Committee, framed the maneuver as part of a broader establishment pattern of undermining grassroots efforts and insulating power among insiders.

“They know that true transparency, the kind I’ve promised, would expose everything,” he said.

Huffines’ campaign is already tapping into the anti-establishment fervor that helped fuel Trump’s rise. He paints Hancock not as a fighter for fiscal integrity, but as a symbol of cronyism and cowardice—a man who lacked the courage to earn the job honestly and instead snuck in through the back door.

Christi Craddick: “I’ve Done the Job”
Current Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, a no-nonsense fiscal hawk with actual statewide executive experience, also entered the race undeterred by Hancock’s sudden rise to power.

“I’m the only candidate in this race with statewide experience and a proven record,” she said. “While others play games, I deliver results.”

Craddick has run one of the most revenue-critical agencies in Texas—the Railroad Commission—overseeing billions in oil and gas revenues that fund schools, roads, and law enforcement. She’s pledging to bring that same results-driven approach to the Comptroller’s office.

“I trust the voters to see through political gimmicks. They know what leadership looks like,” she said.

Legal Questions Linger
Beyond the optics and political fallout, constitutional questions still loom. Article XVI, Section 40 of the Texas Constitution prohibits a legislator from being appointed or employed in a civil office during their elected term. The Abbott-Hancock team contends that Hancock’s resignation makes the restriction moot.

But constitutional scholars and conservative legal minds aren’t so sure.

Because Hancock’s replacement hasn’t yet been elected in a special election, he may technically still be “holding over” his Senate seat. That would render his new role unconstitutional—even if it comes with a carefully worded job title designed to muddy the waters.

“This is a clear violation of both the spirit and the letter of the Texas Constitution,” said one former legislative attorney who asked not to be named due to potential backlash. “It’s a loophole engineered for a political ally, and it disrespects the very laws these men swore to uphold.”

Abbott’s Real Message to Texans
Governor Abbott’s rapid endorsement of Hancock—along with his backhanded swipe at Don Huffines as a “candidate who already lost to a Democrat”—reveals much about the governor’s priorities. Abbott appears less interested in an open, transparent race for the state’s chief financial officer and more focused on installing a loyalist who will support his education agenda, including school choice and other spending priorities.

The entire operation has the feel of a political chess game, with Abbott moving pieces behind the curtain to ensure control, compliance, and consolidation of power.

To many observers, the stunt feels less like governance and more like a monarchy: appointments made in private, authority granted by favor, and the people kept safely at arm’s length.

What’s at Stake in March 2026
The 2026 Republican primary for Comptroller is now shaping up to be more than just a contest for a relatively obscure financial office. It’s becoming a litmus test for whether grassroots conservatives still have a say in Texas politics—or whether power brokers like Abbott will continue to manipulate the machinery to protect their allies and sideline principled insurgents.

Texans should pay close attention. If the Comptroller’s office can be quietly handed to a hand-picked insider without constitutional confirmation or public scrutiny, what’s next? Attorney General? Land Commissioner? Lieutenant Governor?

The Hancock appointment is more than a cynical political move. It’s a bellwether. And if Texas conservatives don’t push back hard, they may wake up in a state where elections are merely formalities and public offices are auctioned behind closed doors.

This is about who runs Texas: the people, or the political class.

And in March 2026, the people will have their say—if they’re paying attention.

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This post first appeared in the Texas Liberty Journal.