Former state Senator Don Huffines has officially taken over as Texas Comptroller, according to FOX 26 Houston. The station reported the change at the top of the state's financial office among its Monday morning news.
Huffines was sworn in and took office on Saturday, according to the report. The swearing-in formally installed him in one of the most influential financial posts in Texas government.
He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott earlier this year, the station said. The appointment followed the resignation of Kelly Hancock, who had held the office.
Huffines takes the reins over the state's finances just months before the November midterms, according to FOX 26 Houston. The timing places him in charge of a high-profile office during an election season.
He says he will forego a salary in the role, the station reported. That pledge was among the first points he emphasized as he stepped into office.
Huffines said he would focus on rooting out government waste and cutting taxes, according to the report. He framed those priorities as central to his approach to the job.
He is also set to oversee the state's new $1 billion school voucher program, according to FOX 26 Houston. That program adds a significant new responsibility to the comptroller's portfolio as he begins his tenure.