TheOpenBallot
Español

Commissioner of the General Land Office

4-year termIncumbent Republican Dawn Buckingham is seeking a second term. No independent or write-in candidates were listed. Snider's listed campaign web address (neillsnider.com) resolved to an unrelated business page and is omitted.Fully researched. Last researched Oct 20, 2026Report a correction
RepublicanIncumbent
Democratic
Libertarian
Priorities for This Office
What does the candidate say they would prioritize in this office?
Lists border security, school funding through state lands, veterans' programs, Alamo restoration, energy development including geothermal and nuclear on state land, and disaster recovery. 
Voting record
As commissioner, ordered federal contractors to stop clearing a state border tract in Presidio County (July 31, 2026) and launched the 'Jocelyn Initiative' to support detention and deportation. 
Grow Permanent School Fund revenue including through expanded oil, gas, wind, solar and geothermal leasing; oppose the education savings account program (often called school vouchers); expand veterans programs; strengthen disaster response and coastal resilience. 
Reduce taxes by maximizing returns from state land or selling it, support responsible energy production, and increase GLO transparency. 
Relevant Experience
What experience does the candidate cite as qualifying them for this office?
Cites medical training, Senate service and her GLO record; campaign says the GLO contributed nearly $6 billion to education, over $1.5 billion to veterans, and over $9 billion in disaster recovery. 
Cites city council and regional government service, disaster response experience as a former CERT member, and 30 years in cybersecurity and risk management. 
Cites about four decades in trade industries, including managing projects, meeting payroll and navigating regulations. 
Operations and Service
What changes, if any, does the candidate propose to how the office operates or serves the public?
No specific operational changes proposed; says she will continue the Alamo visitor center project and flood mitigation work. 
Would review GLO spending, contracts and cybersecurity in his first 90 days, identify outstanding Hurricane Harvey funds within 30 days, create a roster of pre-vetted contractors, and explore land swaps for affordable housing. 
No public position found.
Searched Oct 20, 2026.
Issue 1 of 3

Priorities for This Office

What does the candidate say they would prioritize in this office?
RepublicanIncumbent
Lists border security, school funding through state lands, veterans' programs, Alamo restoration, energy development including geothermal and nuclear on state land, and disaster recovery. 
Voting record
As commissioner, ordered federal contractors to stop clearing a state border tract in Presidio County (July 31, 2026) and launched the 'Jocelyn Initiative' to support detention and deportation. 
Democratic
Grow Permanent School Fund revenue including through expanded oil, gas, wind, solar and geothermal leasing; oppose the education savings account program (often called school vouchers); expand veterans programs; strengthen disaster response and coastal resilience. 
Libertarian
Reduce taxes by maximizing returns from state land or selling it, support responsible energy production, and increase GLO transparency. 
Sources for this contest (5)
  1. Sample Ballot, General and Special Elections, November 3, 2026, Harris County Clerk / Harris County Elections. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  2. List of Declared Write-In Candidates (Form AW2-12), November 2026, Tarrant County Elections. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  3. Texas 2026 candidate directory, Politics1. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  4. 2026 Texas Land Commissioner election, Wikipedia. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  5. Texas land commissioner 2026 guide, The Texas Tribune. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.