Clayton Tucker, a Democrat from Lampasas, is running for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Tucker faces Republican Nate Sheets and Libertarian Austin R. Kelly. Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is seeking the office, Tucker said, "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 in our questionnaire, "Southwestern University. 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. I am a member of Kappa Sigma." He earned his bachelor's degree from Southwestern University in 2013, according to Ballotpedia.

Family: Tucker said in our questionnaire, "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."

Experience and public service

Tucker said in our questionnaire, "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. I also taught kindergarten in Taipei, Taiwan. After returning to Texas, I started a small business, Grassroots Nation, and worked on political campaigns and organizing efforts. I serve as Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union and am a founding board member of Killeen Creators, a community garden organization."

Tucker has been associated with Our Revolution Texas, according to Ballotpedia. He ran for Texas State Senate District 24 in 2020, according to his campaign. Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, Tucker said, "N/A."

On the issues

Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Tucker said in our questionnaire, "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. … I'm running because I know how to use the office for working Texans, not Wall Street billionaires. I will fix the Department's programs so that they feed hungry kids with healthy Texas-grown food; save rural hospitals and protect our farmland and water."

Data centers: Tucker said in our questionnaire, "I will fight the massive expansion of data centers destroying people's livelihoods. When we don't put enforceable guardrails around their design, placement, and purpose, they bring higher water and power bills, run our water wells dry, and blast our homes and livestock with high-decibel noise. I will help local communities develop 'Ag Impact Studies' before any more data centers come for their land, their water, and their tax dollars."

Food prices: Tucker said on his campaign website, "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 on his campaign website that he wants to "keep Texas water for Texans, not for Wall Street profits." He also addressed soil protection, saying, "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."

Other positions: Tucker's campaign website lists support for cannabis legalization, ending gerrymandering and removing dark money from politics.

Tucker has endorsements from the AFL-CIO, Texas AFT, the Dallas AFL-CIO Council and several regional labor councils, according to BallotReady.

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. Answers are presented verbatim.