Clayton Tucker, a Democrat, is running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in the Tuesday, 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. Irresponsible AI data centers threaten our farmland and put more pressure on our water and electric bills."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Education: Tucker said 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."

Family: Asked about his family, Tucker said: "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."

Endorsements: Tucker has received endorsements from the AFL-CIO, Texas AFT, the Dallas AFL-CIO Council, Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and other labor and Democratic organizations, according to BallotReady.

Experience and public service

Asked about his occupation and work history, Tucker said on his campaign website: "I'm a family rancher in Lampasas and a trade analyst for a nonprofit. I grew up working on our family's RX Ranch and continue to manage it today. My work has included 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 added: "I also taught kindergarten in Taipei, Taiwan … I serve as Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union and am a founding board member of Killeen Creators, a community garden organization."

Tucker ran for Texas State Senate District 24 in 2020, according to his campaign. Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, he answered: "N/A."

On the issues

Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Tucker said: "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."

Data centers: Tucker said he would push for local oversight of data center development. "I will help local communities develop 'Ag Impact Studies' before any more data centers come for their land, their water, and their tax dollars," he said. "The Ag Impact Study will give local residents a chance to put the brakes on uncontrolled, irresponsible data center development."

Food prices: On affordability, Tucker said: "We can have cheaper, healthier, and more local foods that pay farmers their fair share while also ensuring food remains affordable -- but only if we limit the ability of the greedy few corporate middlemen from monopolizing our food system."

Water and soil: Tucker said he wants an agriculture commissioner who will fight to "keep Texas water for Texans, not for Wall Street profits." On soil, he 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."

PFAS contamination: Tucker said: "Ranchers and farmers across Texas and other parts of the U.S. Have had their land contaminated with PFAS. This continuation has killed both livestock and livelihoods. We have to protect our farmers, ranchers, and ourselves from these toxic forever chemicals."

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.