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

Sheets is a first-time candidate for political office, according to The Texas Tribune. Asked why he is running, Sheets said in our candidate questionnaire: "First, 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," Sheets said in our questionnaire.

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

Background: Sheets said he is "a fifth-generation Texan, born and raised in the Texas Hill Country," according to his campaign website. His father, Colonel Gary D. Sheets, served in the United States Air Force, Sheets said on the site.

Experience and public service

Previous elected office: "None. I am a businessman, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, not a career politician," Sheets said in our questionnaire.

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," Sheets said. "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."

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

On the issues

Challenges facing Texas agriculture: "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. "My focus will be on 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 for what they grow and raise."

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 added: "Whenever possible, we should 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."

Consumer protection: Asked how the department's work affects residents in fast-growing suburbs, Sheets 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."

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. "As a veteran, I also support regulated medical access for Texans, including veterans suffering from conditions like PTSD and chronic pain."

The race is on the Nov. 3 ballot statewide.

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