Trump endorses Sid Miller for Texas agriculture commissioner

Trump endorses Sid Miller for Texas agriculture commissioner

Trump Endorses Sid Miller for Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Former President Donald J. Trump has endorsed Sid Miller for re-election as Texas Agriculture Commissioner, a position overseeing the state’s $150 billion agricultural sector. Miller, a three-term incumbent and prominent Trump ally, has long championed policies aligning with the former president’s agricultural agenda, including trade expansion, deregulation, and support for rural economies. His endorsement follows Trump’s 2024 re-election victory and reinforces their shared focus on protecting U.S. agricultural interests amid global competition.

Miller’s tenure has been marked by efforts to boost Texas’s agricultural exports, which reached record levels during the China trade war, and modernizing infrastructure to facilitate global shipments. He also expanded programs like the AgriStress Helpline and the Farm Fresh Initiative, which connect farmers with resources and promote local food systems. Financially, Miller’s office reports reducing taxpayer subsidies for regulatory services by 50% through efficiency reforms and eliminating a $18 million budget deficit upon taking office.

However, Miller’s leadership has faced scrutiny. Critics, including Governor Greg Abbott and key Republican legislators, have accused him of mismanagement and prioritizing political activism over agricultural duties. The Texas Farm Bureau and cattle industry groups have endorsed his opponent, Nate Sheets, citing concerns over Miller’s responsiveness to crises like the 2024 Panhandle wildfires and the New World Screwworm threat. Additionally, legislative actions since 2019 have stripped the Department of Agriculture of responsibilities such as fuel pump regulation, shifting oversight to other agencies.

Trump’s endorsement could bolster Miller’s financial prospects, as his campaign has historically benefited from strong GOP donor networks. Yet Sheets has outpaced Miller in fundraising, raising $840,000 compared to Miller’s $295,000 as of January 2026. The outcome of the race may influence Texas agriculture policy, particularly as the state navigates challenges like water rights disputes, invasive species, and federal regulatory shifts under the Trump administration.

For investors and stakeholders, the election underscores the political and financial dynamics shaping Texas’s agricultural sector, with implications for trade, rural economies, and regulatory frameworks.