Nate Sheets, a Republican, is running for Texas agriculture commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Clayton Tucker, a Democrat, and Austin R. Kelly, a Libertarian. The office oversees school meal programs, fuel-pump and scale inspections and agricultural regulation.

Sheets is a first-time candidate for political office, according to The Texas Tribune. Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is running, Sheets said, "Texas agriculture is in trouble. We're losing farms and working lands, input costs have soared, farmers and ranchers are keeping less of the food dollar, and threats like New World screwworm and massive bee losses are putting even more pressure on the people who feed us."

He added: "I'm running because I'm passionate about strengthening the people who produce our food and improving the food we put on our families' tables."

Candidate information

Party: Republican

Family: "My wife, Patty, and I have been married for 30 years. We have four children and a daughter-in-law."

Education: "B.B.A. in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University. I also served six years in the U.S. Navy Reserves."

Occupation and work history: "I am an entrepreneur, businessman, investor and rancher. I founded Nature Nate's Honey Co. and grew it from a single beehive into the #1 branded honey company in the United States. Today, I lead Honey Rock Group, our family investment company, and our ranching operations include raising stocker cattle and cutting horses. Earlier in my career, I worked in advertising and I spent more than a decade in Christian ministry and global missions."

Previous elected or appointed offices: "None. I am a businessman, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, not a career politician."

Endorsements: Sheets has been endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott, according to the Texas Tribune. BallotReady lists additional endorsements from the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Gun Owners of Texas, Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Patriots PAC, True Texas Project, Houston Realty Business Coalition and Red Wave Texas.

On the issues

Accomplishments and qualifications: Asked what evidence he can handle the job, Sheets said in our questionnaire, "I am a veteran and built Nature Nate's from a single beehive into the #1 branded honey company in America." He said he wants to revitalize the GO TEXAN program "with a stronger direct-to-consumer focus, helping Texas producers reach more customers and sell more products for more money."

Challenges facing farmers and ranchers: "We're losing roughly 68 farms a week in Texas. That tells you the economics aren't working for too many farmers and ranchers," Sheets said. He listed "rising input costs, water challenges, development pressure, limited processing capacity and shrinking margins" as obstacles. His focus, he said, would be "fighting unnecessary regulations, protecting private property rights, strengthening water infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and helping producers find new and dependable markets."

School meals: Sheets said Texas "ranks 44th in the nation in education. We can't expect to be No. 1 in the classroom if we're No. 44 at lunch." He said he would "work to increase fresh, minimally processed foods in our schools and give parents greater transparency about what their children are eating." He also said he would "connect schools with Texas farmers, ranchers and food producers so more of the food on a Texas student's tray was grown or raised in Texas."

Hemp regulation: "Industrial hemp is a legitimate agricultural commodity," Sheets said. On consumable hemp products, he said, "Intoxicating products should not be allowed to exploit loopholes or be marketed as backdoor recreational marijuana." He added, "As a veteran, I also support regulated medical access for Texans, including veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain."

Consumer protection: Sheets said the agriculture commissioner role "is also about consumer protection. Whether you live on a ranch or in a North Texas subdivision, the department's work affects your family and your wallet every day." He said he would "focus on efficient inspections, accountability and using technology to make enforcement smarter and faster."

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.