Benjamin Flores, a Democrat, is running for Texas Land Commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Dawn Buckingham and Libertarian Neill Snider.
This candidacy is listed in the Texas secretary of state’s official November 3, 2026 certification for Collin County.
The Texas Land Commissioner oversees the General Land Office, which manages state public lands, administers the Permanent School Fund, supports veterans programs and coordinates disaster recovery. Allen residents vote in this statewide race.
Asked why he is running, Flores said in our questionnaire: "I believe the Texas General Land Office should work for everyday Texans, not special interests or political agendas." He added, "I am running because I want to protect the land and resources that belong to all Texans, strengthen support for our public schools and veterans, defend property owners, and make sure the General Land Office is focused on service rather than politics."
Party: "Democrat"
Education: "I studied Geography at a university in Mexico before coming to the United States. My education and professional development later shifted toward technology, and I am currently continuing my studies in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance."
Flores said in our questionnaire that he is "a cybersecurity professional with roughly 30 years of experience in information technology and security." He described his career path: "My career began with working-class jobs, including at KFC, a car wash, and in hotel IT, before I built a long career in technology and cybersecurity."
On his public service, Flores said: "I previously served as a member of the Bay City City Council, where I worked on local issues affecting families, infrastructure, economic development, and city services." He added, "I do not currently hold elected office. I am now seeking to serve Texans statewide as Texas Land Commissioner."
Asked what sets him apart, Flores said in our questionnaire: "I bring nearly 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and technology, along with service as a city councilman and firsthand experience with agriculture and small-town Texas." He added, "I am not running to use the General Land Office as a political stepping stone. I am running to manage it professionally, protect public lands, support veterans, strengthen the Permanent School Fund, improve disaster recovery, and bring greater transparency and accountability to the office."
On his campaign website, Flores said he would "prioritize getting money to public schools that need it and school districts to help them lower your property taxes." On veterans, he said he would "improve and expand veteran home loan and support services and work to reduce the burden of traveling long distances to receive assistance or medical treatment."
On energy, Flores said he would "invite more solar and wind energy producers to join the oil and gas companies operating on state land." On disaster recovery, he said he would "strengthen coastal protections and improve programs that deliver help for people and industries to recover after storms … and make sure recovery money is distributed fairly."
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
