Austin R. Kelly is the Libertarian candidate for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, election. Republican Nate Sheets and Democrat Clayton Tucker are also listed in the state’s ballot certification.
Kelly describes himself as an agricultural scientist, ecologist and founder of ARK Ecological Consulting on his campaign website.
Regulation, land and water
Kelly advocates reducing regulatory barriers facing farms, protecting private property and using field-tested water conservation methods. He opposes what he describes as government overreach affecting groundwater rights and eminent domain.
His Libertarian Party profile also calls for reducing Department of Agriculture fees and regulations and ending corporate subsidies. These are the candidate’s goals; the materials reviewed do not identify a complete list of rules or programs he would eliminate, a budget estimate or an implementation timetable.
Authority and local effects
The agriculture commissioner leads the Texas Department of Agriculture. Changes to agency fees, programs and regulations could affect producers and agricultural businesses. Changes governed by statute or legislative appropriations would require lawmakers’ participation; the commissioner could not independently rewrite all water or eminent-domain law.
The campaign materials do not quantify effects on local food prices, household bills or state revenue. This profile does not present those potential outcomes as established savings.
The Rockwall Herald did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
