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

Sheets is a first-time candidate for political office, according to The Texas Tribune. Asked in our 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

Party: Republican

Education: Sheets said he holds a "B.B.A. in Marketing from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University." He added, "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," Sheets said.

Occupation: "I am an entrepreneur, businessman, investor and rancher," Sheets said. "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."

Experience and public service

Sheets has held no elected office. "I am a businessman, entrepreneur and Navy veteran, not a career politician," he said in our questionnaire. According to his campaign website, Sheets also served as communications director at E3 Partners and owned a small advertising agency in Dallas.

On the issues

Farming and ranching: Asked about the biggest challenges facing Texas agriculture, 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." 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 meals: Sheets said, "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." 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."

Consumer protection: Asked how the department's work affects suburban residents, 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: "Industrial hemp is a legitimate agricultural commodity," Sheets said. 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."

Endorsements: Sheets has received endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund, according to BallotReady and The Texas Tribune.

Candidate responses come from a Surround Sound News questionnaire. All candidates in this race were invited to participate.