Profitability Over Politics: Nate Sheets’ Economic Game Plan for Rural Texas Farmers

Things are getting spicey in the Texas Agriculture Commissioner race. One of the candidates says he is going to clean house if he wins.

Nate Sheets is Planning What He Will Do If He Becomes Ag Commissioner

In an interview with the Texas Tribune, Nate Smith described his plans for the Department of Agriculture if he defeats Clayton Tucker in the November election. Sheets said, “We’re going to fire every one of the cancerous people that were pro-Sid and clean house. We’re going to get a culture focused on excellence and service, where farmers, ranching and clean food are at the center.”

Sid Miller’s Controversial Time in Office

Sid Miller’s time as the state’s top agriculture official was filled with controversy. One example, according to the Texas Tribune, involved one of Miller’s political aides getting indicted for commercial bribery and theft. Reportedly, the aide was trying to sell hemp licenses that are regulated by Miller’s agency. Following a guilty plea, Miller named the aide his chief of staff.

Sid Miller Concedes the Race to Sheets

Wednesday afternoon, Miller conceded to Sheets. According to the Texas Tribune, Miller said, “While the results are not what we hoped and prayed for, I am deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and hard work of Texans across this great state who have stood with me over the years.”

Sheets Finds Support Among Top Republican Officials in Texas

Texas Governor Greg Abbott endorsed Sheets for Ag Commissioner, slamming Miller’s three terms in office. Abbott cited what he described as Miller’s “tolerance for criminality.” According to the Texas Tribune,a friend of Miller told police last year that Miller asked him to dispose of marijuana because he worried he was being investigated by federal drug authorities.

Nate Sheets Path to Public Office

Nate Sheets has a diverse background. According to the Texas Tribune, Sheets served for six years in the U.S. Naval Reserve and worked for an evangelist ministry that created churches around the world. He now lives on a ranch and owns a honey business.

Sheets Goals for the Department of Agriculture

Sheets has many plans for the department of Agriculture. Chief among his goals is making healthy, clean food available to all and repairing the Texas school lunch program. The Texas Tribune says Sheets wants to lessen the burden on farmers and ranchers by lowering fees that were increased by the Miller terms in office.