Running for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Background
Buckingham was elected land commissioner in 2022, the first woman in the post, after serving in the Texas Senate. She is a surgeon by training and was unopposed in the 2026 Republican primary.
Current role
Texas Land Commissioner (since 2023)
Occupation
Physician (oculoplastic surgeon)
Education
Undergraduate degree, University of Texas at Austin; M.D., University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Prior offices
Texas Senate, District 24 (2017-2023); Texas Land Commissioner (2023-present)
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.
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.
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.
Money
Finance figures are being checked against official FEC and Texas Ethics Commission filings and will appear here once verified.
Endorsements
No public endorsements found. Searched Oct 20, 2026.