Nate Sheets, a Republican, is running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Austin R. Kelly (Libertarian) and Clayton Tucker (Democratic) are also in the race.

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

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."

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

Occupation: "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 office: "None. I am a businessman, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, not a career politician."

Sheets is a fifth-generation Texan who grew up in a military family, according to his campaign website. His father, Colonel Gary D. Sheets, served in the United States Air Force, Sheets said on the site.

On the issues

Challenges facing farmers and ranchers: Sheets said in our questionnaire: "We're losing roughly 68 farms a week in Texas. That tells you the economics aren't working for too many farmers and ranchers." He said his focus would be "making it easier to farm and ranch in Texas, not harder. That means fighting unnecessary regulations, protecting private property rights, strengthening water infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and helping producers find new and dependable markets."

School meals: "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," Sheets said. He said he would "work to increase fresh, minimally processed foods in our schools" and "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 enforcement: Sheets said: "Industrial hemp is a legitimate agricultural commodity with uses ranging from fiber and textiles to construction materials, bioplastics and other products." On consumable hemp, 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."

North Texas consumer protection: The role extends beyond farming. Sheets said the agriculture commissioner's job "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."

Endorsements: Sheets has received endorsements from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, Gun Owners of Texas, Texas Alliance for Life and Texas Patriots PAC, according to BallotReady.

Candidate responses were collected through the Murphy-Wylie-Sachse Courier questionnaire. Answers have been excerpted for length.