Texas Republicans are raising serious concerns after learning that GOP state comptroller candidate Don Huffines, through an LLC, purchased a New Mexico ranch formerly owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Party officials and grassroots leaders are now calling for greater transparency and, in some cases, a formal investigation into the transaction.
Huffines’ LLC acquired the Zorro Ranch property in 2023. The identities of the owners and the purchase price were initially sealed. Details emerged only after the LLC renamed a road on the property and challenged its tax valuation in Santa Fe County, prompting a public records request that revealed the ownership structure. Public filings list Huffines’ wife as a trustee and his son as the LLC’s manager. Huffines’ attorney has said proceeds from the sale went to victims, while an attorney for Epstein’s estate previously stated that sale proceeds were used for administrative costs and creditor claims.
Huffines, a former state senator and multimillionaire businessman, is campaigning on a platform centered on government accountability and transparency. Critics argue that the manner in which the ranch was purchased conflicts with that message.
Several Texas Republican leaders voiced strong objections. Wayne Hamilton, former executive director of the Republican Party of Texas, questioned why the transaction was not handled with full transparency from the outset, particularly given the property’s history. He argued that any property suspected of being tied to criminal activity should involve cooperation with state authorities.
Grassroots activists also expressed alarm. Tarrant County precinct chair Sheena Rodriguez, who advocates for trafficked children, said the purchase raises ethical concerns about judgment and priorities. Marion County Republican leader Hunter Bonner said he could not understand why anyone identifying as a Christian would invest in property previously owned by Epstein unless the intent was to facilitate a full forensic investigation.
Other local party officials echoed those concerns. Denton County precinct chair Judy Adams described the anonymous LLC structure as troubling and inconsistent with conservative principles. Harris County precinct chair Mary Ann Jackson called the situation “disgusting and disheartening,” questioning how a candidate promising to expose corruption could engage in what she views as secretive business dealings.
Lynn Davenport, a former Dallas County GOP precinct chair, said that if the purchase were intended for altruistic reasons, such as donating proceeds to victims, the lack of transparency undermines that claim. She also pointed to broader concerns about the property’s past and unanswered questions about potential investigations into alleged crimes connected to the site.
According to released Epstein files, thousands of references mention the Zorro Ranch. Past witness statements included allegations that underage girls were transported to the property and abused. The New Mexico land commissioner previously called for investigations into activities connected to the ranch, and inquiries have reportedly examined neighboring state land for possible remains.
Huffines is one of four candidates competing in the March 3 Republican primary for Texas comptroller. As the race continues, pressure from within his own party is intensifying, with critics demanding clearer explanations about the purchase and its purpose.
