Clayton Tucker, a Democrat from Lampasas, is running for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Nate Sheets and Libertarian Austin R. Kelly, according to Ballotpedia .

This candidacy is listed in the Texas secretary of state’s official November 3, 2026 certification for Collin County.

Asked why he is running, Tucker said in our questionnaire: "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."

Tucker said he wants to "use the Department's purchasing power to bring more Texas-grown food into school meals, support local producers, and help end childhood hunger."

Party: Democratic

Hometown: Lampasas, Texas

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."

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 ran for Texas State Senate District 24 in 2020, according to his campaign. Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, he answered "N/A" in our questionnaire.

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."

Data centers and water: 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."

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.