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.
Asked why he is seeking the office, Flores said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe the Texas General Land Office should work for everyday Texans, not special interests or political agendas. … I came to Texas as an immigrant, built a career in cybersecurity, raised a family, served my community, and learned firsthand how much good government matters when families need it most."
Candidate information
Party: Democrat
Family: "My wife An and my beautiful daughter Nadia"
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."
Endorsements (according to his campaign): Stonewall Democrats of Dallas, Greater Heights Democratic Club
Experience and public service
Asked about his occupation and work history, Flores said in our questionnaire: "I am a cybersecurity professional with roughly 30 years of experience in information technology and security. 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."
He also described community involvement: "I have also served my community as a Bay City councilman and have experience in agriculture through my family's heritage pig farm."
On previous elected office, 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. … I do not currently hold elected office. I am now seeking to serve Texans statewide as Texas Land Commissioner."
On the issues
What sets him apart: Flores said in our questionnaire: "What sets me apart is the combination of real-world experience, technical expertise, local public service, and a commitment to keeping the General Land Office focused on Texans rather than partisan politics. … 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."
Education: Flores said on his campaign website: "I'll prioritize getting money to public schools that need it and school districts to help them lower your property taxes."
Veterans: Flores said on his campaign website: "I'll 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."
Infrastructure and disaster recovery: Flores said on his campaign website: "I'll 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."
Energy: Flores said on his campaign website: "I'll invite more solar and wind energy producers to join the oil and gas companies operating on state land."
Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments prepare him for the job, Flores said in our questionnaire: "For nearly 30 years, I have worked in technology and cybersecurity, where protecting critical systems, managing risk, overseeing projects, and solving difficult problems require discipline and accountability. … The General Land Office requires more than political experience. It requires strong management, technical knowledge, sound judgment, transparency, and a commitment to public service."
Candidate responses were collected through the Murphy-Wylie-Sachse Courier candidate questionnaire conducted by Surround Sound News. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.
