Sen. Kelly Hancock of Fort Worth resigns to join Texas comptroller office
State Sen. Kelly Hancock has resigned from his post in the Texas Legislature to become the next Texas comptroller, according to a press release Thursday.
Hancock, a Republican from North Richland Hills whose district includes portions of Fort Worth and Arlington, is replacing current comptroller Glenn Hegar, who is stepping down from the position to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, the system announced in March.
On June 18, Hancock resigned from his position in the Legislature, according to the Texas Senate website. He will begin his role as comptroller on July 1.
Hegar swore Hancock in as chief clerk on Thursday morning at the comptroller office in Austin.
“The comptroller’s office exists to serve every Texas taxpayer,” Hancock said in a press release. “Whether it’s safeguarding your tax dollars, ensuring transparency or implementing forward-thinking initiatives like education savings accounts and broadband expansion, this office plays a vital role in driving Texas’ continued economic success.”
Hancock will serve out the remainder of Hegar’s term as comptroller, which is up election in November 2026.
Shortly after being sworn in Thursday, Hancock launched his campaign for comptroller in a video posted on his social media pages.
“For over a decade, I’ve fought for Texas taxpayers in the legislature and I am ready to do the same as the chief financial officer of Texas,” Hancock wrote on Facebook. See his announcement video, here.
Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement Thursday endorsing Hancock for Texas comptroller. Among the “many reasons” to endorse Hancock, Abbott listed the North Texan’s experience in business and education, along with one more thing.
“I endorse Kelly Hancock because I want a candidate who will actually win the election, not someone who has already lost an election to a Democrat,” Abbott said in a statement.
Hancock served in the Texas House from 2006 to 2012 and was elected to the state Senate in 2013, and in 2023 was one of two Republicans who voted with Democrats to remove state attorney general Ken Paxton after an impeachment trial.
This story was originally published June 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
