Clayton Tucker, a Democrat from Lampasas, is running for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The Secretary of State’s ballot certification lists Republican Nate Sheets and Libertarian Austin R. Kelly as his opponents.
Tucker submitted a Surround Sound Media questionnaire on Oct. 5. Asked why he is running, he wrote: “I’m running for Agriculture Commissioner to make food and farming affordable again and protect the water Texans depend on.”
In the same answer, he proposed using the department’s purchasing power to bring more Texas-grown food into school meals, support local producers and address childhood hunger.
Experience and education
In his questionnaire, Tucker described himself as a family rancher in Lampasas and a trade analyst for a nonprofit. He said he grew up working on the RX Ranch and continues to manage it.
Tucker said his 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 also said he taught kindergarten in Taipei, started Grassroots Nation after returning to Texas, and worked on political campaigns and organizing.
He identified himself as secretary of the Texas Farmers Union and a founding board member of Killeen Creators, a community garden organization. These descriptions of his background come from his submitted questionnaire.
For education, Tucker listed a bachelor’s degree in international studies at Southwestern University, with a focus on international politics and a minor in Mandarin. He also described studying Mandarin at National Chengchi University in Taipei. Asked about prior elected or appointed office, he answered “N/A.”
On the issues
Tucker said in his questionnaire that he opposes uncontrolled data-center development and wants enforceable requirements concerning design, location and resource use. “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 wrote. This is a campaign proposal.
On food prices, his campaign advocates limiting corporate consolidation in the food system and paying farmers a fair share while keeping food affordable.
His soil platform calls for research and sustainable, restorative practices to address erosion and degradation. These are positions stated by his campaign.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
