Austin R. Kelly

Libertarian · Commissioner of Agriculture, Texas
General election Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026

← Texas Commissioner of Agriculture race · All Texas races

Austin R. Kelly

Libertarian · Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, Texas

Also running: Nate Sheets (R) · Clayton Tucker (D)

Where Kelly stands

Schools

I will streamline state nutrition program administration to cut overhead costs and redirect resources toward real food quality. I support incentivizing local school districts to partner directly with Texas agricultural producers, expanding access to fresh, wholesome food while supporting local farm economies without top-down federal micromanagement.
Quoted by Community Impact candidate Q&A, Sep 7, 2026

Biggest challenge for Texas

Water security and rapid land fragmentation threaten our state’s agricultural future. We must defend private property rights while encouraging voluntary rangeland conservation and voluntary stewardship models. Enabling proactive, market-based resource management ensures Texas agriculture remains resilient and productive amid intense population growth and resource demands.
Quoted by Community Impact candidate Q&A, Sep 7, 2026

Agriculture (2)

I will eliminate unnecessary red tape and protectionist rules that restrict direct-to-consumer sales, cottage foods and local processing. Expanding free-market competition empowers producers to innovate and lowers consumer costs. Transparent labeling and market accountability ensure Texans have reliable access to high-quality, nutritious food choices.
Quoted by Community Impact candidate Q&A, Sep 7, 2026

Position history

Farms & rural

  1. Published Sep 7, 2026 · Farms & rural
    My top priorities are cutting burdensome regulations, defending property rights, and ending wasteful government spending. I will modernize [Texas Department of Agriculture] operations through market-driven solutions, remove bureaucratic barriers for independent farmers and ranchers and champion transparent, fiscally responsible management to foster sustainable agricultural innovation across Texas.
  2. Published Sep 7, 2026 · Farms & rural
    I will prioritize sound ecological science and coordinate targeted monitoring with livestock producers to maintain early-detection networks. By leveraging targeted sterile insect technique biological controls and streamlining producer reporting without imposing heavy-handed bureaucratic mandates, we can stop outbreaks efficiently while safeguarding ranching operations.
  3. Published Sep 7, 2026 · Farms & rural
    I will eliminate unnecessary red tape and protectionist rules that restrict direct-to-consumer sales, cottage foods and local processing. Expanding free-market competition empowers producers to innovate and lowers consumer costs. Transparent labeling and market accountability ensure Texans have reliable access to high-quality, nutritious food choices.

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