Donald Huffines

Donald Huffines

Republican Party

Prior offices

Texas State Senate District 16

Successor: Nathan Johnson

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Elections and appointments

Last election

March 1, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

University of Texas, Austin, 1981

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

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Donald Huffines (Republican Party) was a member of the Texas State Senate, representing District 16. He assumed office in 2015. He left office on January 8, 2019.

Huffines (Republican Party) ran for election for Governor of Texas. He lost in the Republican primary on March 1, 2022.

Biography

Huffines graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1981 with a B.B.A. in Finance. He started working for Henry S. Miller Company, the largest commercial brokerage company in Texas, in 1982. Huffines was promoted to vice president in 1984. Huffines started the company Huffines Communities in 1985, which grew to be one of the largest real-estate developers in Dallas.

Committee assignments

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Huffines served on the following committees:

Texas committee assignments, 2015
• Administration
• Business & Commerce
• Education
• Transportation, Vice-Chair

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2022

See also: Texas gubernatorial election, 2022

General election

General election for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Texas on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Greg Abbott (R)	54.8	4,437,099
		Beto O'Rourke (D)	43.9	3,553,656
		Mark Tippetts (L)	1.0	81,932
		Delilah Barrios (G)	0.4	28,584
		Jacqueline Abernathy (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	1,243
		Mark Goloby (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	394

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,102,908
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Reginald Jennings II (Independent)
• Jorge Franco (Independent)
• Jeremy Rios (Independent)
• Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla (Independent)
• Justin Cunneen (Independent)
• Sean Sharp (Independent)
• Demetra Wysinger (Independent)
• Chioma Okoro (Independent)
• Star Locke (Independent)
• Raul Cortina (Independent)
• Patrick Wynne (Reform Party)
• Jal Dennis (Independent)
• Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Texas

Beto O'Rourke defeated Joy Diaz, Michael Cooper, Rich Wakeland, and Inocencio Barrientez in the Democratic primary for Governor of Texas on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Beto O'Rourke	91.4	983,182
		Joy Diaz	3.1	33,622
		Michael Cooper	3.0	32,673
		Rich Wakeland	1.2	13,237
	Submit photo	Inocencio Barrientez	1.2	12,887

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,075,601
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Deirdre Dickson-Gilbert (D)
• Star Locke (D)
• Jack Daniel Foster Jr. (D)
• Larry Baggett (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Texas

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Texas on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Greg Abbott	66.5	1,299,059
		Allen B. West	12.3	239,557
		Donald Huffines	12.0	234,138
		Chad Prather	3.8	74,173
	Submit photo	Rick Perry	3.1	61,424
		Kandy Kaye Horn	1.2	23,605
	Submit photo	Paul Belew	0.6	11,387
		Daniel Harrison	0.6	10,829

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,954,172
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Green convention

Green convention for Governor of Texas

Delilah Barrios advanced from the Green convention for Governor of Texas on April 9, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Delilah Barrios (G)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Governor of Texas

Mark Tippetts defeated Fidel Castillo in the Libertarian convention for Governor of Texas on April 10, 2022.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Fidel Castillo (L)
✔		Mark Tippetts (L)

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Andrew Jewell (L)
• Daniel Behrman (L)

2018

See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2018

General election

General election for Texas State Senate District 16

Nathan Johnson defeated incumbent Donald Huffines in the general election for Texas State Senate District 16 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nathan Johnson (D)	54.1	159,228
		Donald Huffines (R)	45.9	134,933

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 294,161
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 16

Nathan Johnson defeated Joe Bogen in the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 16 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nathan Johnson	69.6	25,330
	Submit photo	Joe Bogen	30.4	11,068

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 36,398
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 16

Incumbent Donald Huffines advanced from the Republican primary for Texas State Senate District 16 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Donald Huffines	100.0	30,311

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 30,311
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2014

See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for 15 of the 31 seats in the Texas State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Donald Huffines defeated incumbent John Carona in the Republican primary. Mike Dooling (L) filed for election but did not appear on the general election ballot. Huffines was unopposed in the general election.

Prior to the March 4 primary, Huffines said Carona was too liberal and described the 18-year incumbent as out-of-touch in the district. After Huffines declared for the seat, Carona said: "I’m surprised Mr. Huffines was running as a Republican considering that he spent a small fortune attacking Republicans in the 2012 presidential campaign, but I welcome a thorough debate on the issues facing Texans." In 2012, Huffines helped form a SuperPAC that supported Ron Paul and spent more than $400,000 in the race. Texas Monthly named Carona one of the worst legislators in 2013, pointing in part to his long absence during the session.

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Donald Huffines did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2014

In announcing his campaign in October 2013, Huffines said he believes in "limited government, in cutting spending so we can decrease taxes. I believe in the traditional family." He added: "We’re going to raise enough money to get our message out – a career politician and one of the most liberal senators in Austin against a true conservative." Huffines' politics are considered to have a "strong libertarian tinge." Huffines listed a number of issues on his campaign website, including the following excerpts:

• Term limits: Huffines said if elected he will not serve more than three terms.
• Taxes and Fees: Huffines said: "I believe that government should live within its means. It is my pledge to the voters not to increase taxes or fees. As government expands, the price tag falls on the taxpayers. We cannot afford this nor should we. I will work to find every tax dollar wasted on unnecessary fees and eliminate taxes that do nothing more than expand the role of government."
• Education: Huffines said: "I want to ensure that every child in Texas has the best education possible. I believe that no one knows better for his or her child than parents and families. While the Texas Constitution does provide for public education, kids are served best when parents have choices in education. I support families making the best decision regarding their children’s education and keeping the state out of the process as best as possible. As a father of five, I understand the difficult decisions that parents face. I support broadening the options available for families by making our public schools more competitive, capping the salaries of school administrators, expanding charter schools, and empowering both parents and teachers with choices."

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Donald Huffines campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2022	Governor of Texas	Lost primary	$15,795,426	$15,941,668
2018	Texas State Senate District 16	Lost general	$4,013,632	N/A**
2014	Texas State Senate, District 16	Won	$2,439,572	N/A**
Grand total			$22,248,630	$15,941,668
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Endorsements

2014

Huffines was endorsed by the following groups and individuals for the 2014 Texas State Senate election.

• Dick Armey, former U.S. House Majority Leader
• Rand Paul, U.S. Senator from Kentucky
• Empower Texans
• Michael Quinn Sullivan, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
• Tim Lambert, Texas Home School Coalition
• Cathie Adams, President, Texas Eagle Forum
• Denise McNamara, Former National Republican Committeewoman
• JoAnn Fleming, Executive Director, Grassroots America
• Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO, Liberty Institute
• Texas Right to Life
• David Barton, President of WallBuilders and former Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas
• Texas Conservative Digest

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Texas

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Texas scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].

2018

In 2018, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session.

2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].

In 2017, the Texas State Legislature was in its 85th legislative session from January 10 through May 29. A special session was held from July 18 to August 15. Conservative Roundtable Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles. Empower Texans Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues." Environment Texas Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental and public health issues. Equality Texas Legislators are scored on bills related to LGBT issues. National Federation of Independent Business in Texas Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues. Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights. Texans for Vaccine Choice Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization. Texas Alliance for Life Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to social issues. Texas Association of Business Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to businesses, taxpayers, and families. Texas Right to Life Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues. Texas Sierra Club Legislators are scored on their votes on environmental issues. Texas Values Action Legislators are scored on their votes on social issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Young Conservatives of Texas Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2016

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show].
In 2016, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session.

2015

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show].

In 2015, the Texas State Legislature was in its 84th legislative session from January 13 through June 1. Americans for Prosperity Texas - Texas Legislative Report Card 2015 Legislators are scored on how they voted on tax and fiscal legislation. Concerned Women for America of Texas: Legislative Scorecard for the 84th session Legislators are scored based on votes on bills relating to abortion, common core, and sex trafficking. Conservative Roundtable: Senate and House - 2015 Conservative Solutions Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes for or against the organization's position and principles. Empower Texans - 2015 Fiscal Responsibility Index Legislators are scored based by the organization on their votes on bills relating to "core budget and free enterprise issues." Equality Texas - Equality Texas rankings for the Texas House during the 84th legislative session Legislators are scored on bills related to LGBT issues. Environment Texas - 2015 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental and public health issues. Heritage Alliance - 2015 Texas Conservative Report Legislators are scored based on votes on social issues, economic issues, and other issues. National Federation of Independent Business in Texas: 2015 Legislative Voting Record Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues. Texas Association of Business: Senate and House - For the Record 2015 Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to businesses, taxpayers, and families. Texas Eagle Forum - 2015 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on votes relating to conservative issues. Texas Right to Life - 2015 Legislative Scores Legislators are scored on bills related to reproductive health issues. Texas Tribune Guest Column: Mark P. Jones - The 2015 Texas House, From Right to Left Mark P. Jones, chair of the Department of Political Science at Rice University, biennially ranks state representatives based on how liberal and conservative they are according to legislative history. Texans Uniting for Reform & Freedom - 2015 Session Report Card Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills relating to taxes and property rights. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
When he served in the state Senate, Huffines and his wife, Mary Catherine, had four sons and one daughter.

See also

2022 Elections

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External links

• Texas Legislature website
• Texas Secretary of State, 2014 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County
• Official Campaign Youtube Page
• Profile from Open States
• Campaign Finance Reports at the Texas Ethics Commission

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by John Carona (R)	Texas Senate - District 16 2015-2019	Succeeded by Nathan Johnson (D)

[show]

Current members of the Texas State Senate

Leadership

Senators

District 1

Bryan Hughes (R)

District 2

Bob Hall (R)

District 3

Robert Nichols (R)

District 4

Brandon Creighton (R)

District 5

Charles Schwertner (R)

District 6

Carol Alvarado (D)

District 7

Paul Bettencourt (R)

District 8

Angela Paxton (R)

District 9

Kelly Hancock (R)

District 10

Phil King (R)

District 11

Mayes Middleton (R)

District 12

Tan Parker (R)

District 13

Borris Miles (D)

District 14

Sarah Eckhardt (D)

District 15

Molly Cook (D)

District 16

Nathan Johnson (D)

District 17

Joan Huffman (R)

District 18

Lois Kolkhorst (R)

District 19

Roland Gutierrez (D)

District 20

Juan Hinojosa (D)

District 21

Judith Zaffirini (D)

District 22

Brian Birdwell (R)

District 23

Royce West (D)

District 24

Peter Flores (R)

District 25

Donna Campbell (R)

District 26

José Menéndez (D)

District 27

Adam Hinojosa (R)

District 28

Charles Perry (R)

District 29

César Blanco (D)

District 30

Brent Hagenbuch (R)

District 31

Kevin Sparks (R)

Republican Party (20)

Democratic Party (11)