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 why he is running, Sheets said in our 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 offices held: "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."

Sheets served in the U.S. Navy from 1988 to 1994, according to BallotReady. He has received several endorsements. They include Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund and Gun Owners of Texas.

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 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."

Consumer protection: Asked how the department's work would affect residents in fast-growing suburbs, Sheets said: "The Texas Agriculture Commissioner is our state's chief food officer, but the job is also about consumer protection. Whether you live on a ranch or in a North Texas subdivision, the department's work affects your family and your wallet every day." He said he would "focus on efficient inspections, accountability and using technology to make enforcement smarter and faster."

Hemp regulation: Sheets called industrial hemp "a legitimate agricultural commodity …" and said Texas farmers should be able to grow and market it lawfully. "When it comes to consumable hemp, my position is simple: follow the law, protect kids and consumers, and enforce the rules consistently. Intoxicating products should not be allowed to exploit loopholes or be marketed as backdoor recreational marijuana."

Sheets' responses come from a Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire. His answers have been excerpted for length but not reworded.