AUSTIN, Texas — With just weeks to go before the midterm elections, one statewide race is getting less attention than the others. The Texas land commissioner does what the title suggests—manages millions of acres of state land.
The office also administers federal aid after natural disasters, manages the historic Alamo site and oversees investments from an endowment that helps fund public education. The position also provides support for veterans.
“It’s a huge responsibility,” said Jay Kleberg, the Democratic nominee. “It’s a big job, and for too long it’s been used as a political stepping stone.”
Kleberg is facing Republican state Sen. Dawn Buckingham. The winner in November will replace Republican George P. Bush, who lost a bid to unseat Attorney General Ken Paxton in a runoff primary.
Kleberg was raised on the storied King Ranch, the largest in the United States, which his family has been managing for nearly 200 years. He’s also a former associate director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
“We’re trying to actually educate people about how important this office is, and that I have relevant experience,” said Kleberg. “My opponent is an ophthalmologist.”
The GLO has weathered several controversies over the last few years, including accusations that the office violated the Civil Rights Act by not properly distributing funds to Harris County following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
“We would do pre-planning before those storms hit,” said Kleberg. “To make sure these funds are getting quickly to the communities that need them.”
Kleberg says he’s traveled statewide to educate people on what the Land office does, and why he’s the best candidate.
“We’ve spent a lot of time talking to people who are impacted by this office,” he said. “I’ve put about 60,000 miles on my pickup truck.”
A Democrat hasn’t won statewide office in Texas is nearly 30 years. Still, Kleberg is confidently heading into Election Day.
“[I want to] make sure we’re managing our land, not based on election cycles, but with a generational perspective.”