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

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

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," Sheets said in our questionnaire.

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," Sheets said.

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

Endorsements: Gov. Greg Abbott endorsed Sheets, according to the Texas Tribune. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund and Gun Owners of Texas have also endorsed him, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

Challenges facing Texas agriculture: Asked about the biggest challenges for farmers and ranchers, Sheets said: "We're losing roughly 68 farms a week in Texas. That tells you the economics aren't working for too many farmers and ranchers. Rising input costs, water challenges, development pressure, limited processing capacity and shrinking margins are making it harder to keep family operations profitable and pass them to the next generation."

He said his focus would be on "fighting unnecessary regulations, protecting private property rights, strengthening water infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and helping producers find new and dependable markets for what they grow and raise."

School meal programs: "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 give parents greater transparency about what their children are eating."

Hemp regulation: "When it comes to consumable hemp, my position is simple: follow the law, protect kids and consumers, and enforce the rules consistently," Sheets said. "Intoxicating products should not be allowed to exploit loopholes or be marketed as backdoor recreational marijuana." He added that as a veteran he supports "regulated medical access for Texans, including veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain."

Consumer protection: The role extends beyond agriculture. Sheets said the commissioner "is also about consumer protection." He said: "When you buy something by weight, the scale should be accurate. Texans work hard for their money, and one of the department's fundamental responsibilities is making sure they get what they pay for."

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. Answers have been excerpted for length and are presented in the candidate's own words.