Benjamin Flores, a member of the Bay City City Council, is pivoting his political ambitions: after earlier entering the race for Texas governor, he has withdrawn from that contest to run instead for Land Commissioner.
Flores also announced his endorsement of State Representative Gina Hinojosa for governor.
Flores frames his bid as rooted in his experience both in public service and in farming.
He and his family operate a heritage pig farm near Bay City, a venture that has drawn public attention and controversy in recent years. Flores has defended his operation in legal disputes with neighbors who alleged his pigs constituted a public nuisance. Despite the challenge, he pursues the farm as evidence of his commitment to rural, agricultural life and Texan land stewardship.
In his campaign announcement, Flores emphasized that Linda Hinojosa — whom he previously sought to support — is an ideal statewide partner. “I believe Gina Hinojosa is the right person to inspire voters across the state and lead Texas forward as its next Governor,” he said.
The Land Commissioner’s office supervises the General Land Office, which is responsible by state constitution for generating revenue for the Permanent School Fund and the Veterans Land Fund, chiefly through leasing state land and mineral rights.
Flores says his campaign would expand those leasing practices beyond oil and gas, inviting solar and wind energy developers to operate on state lands.
He argues that would increase revenue and advance environmental goals. He pledges to keep the Land Office focused on support for public schools and veterans, making sure “every available dollar is getting to where it’s needed.” He also says he will explore use of state lands to help with affordable housing.
Flores, an immigrant from Mexico, has made his life story central to his campaign. “I came to this country from Mexico when I was 20 — legally, by the way — with two small bags and a big dream,” he said. “I worked menial jobs in California until a hotel job led to my career in cybersecurity. My wife, daughter and I moved to Texas because the state respected personal liberty, offered opportunity for all, and supported public schools. But today, I see Texas moving in a different direction, and I want to help our great state get back on track.”
“Whether it’s increasing funding to our schools or helping veterans closer to where they live, my promise is to be the Land Commissioner who puts the needs of Texans first,” he said.
Flores was first elected to Bay City city council in 2023, and holds multiple professional certifications in cybersecurity. The municipal biography of Flores describes how he arrived in the U.S. in the 1990s and worked a variety of jobs — from washing cars to night shifts at hotels — before developing his technology career.
In addition, his farm operation has generated political and legal friction. Flores relocated from Austin during the COVID-19 pandemic to launch his pig farm, which became part of a dispute when a neighbor filed a nuisance lawsuit over odor and environmental impact. Flores responded that his methods are organic and do not cause harm.
His pivot to Land Commissioner comes after stepping aside in the governor’s primary to support Hinojosa. In endorsing her, Flores said Texas needs direction and leadership that he believes she can provide.
Flores will now campaign statewide with an agenda that bridges his city council experience, agricultural ties, and focus on land use, energy, education and veterans. Whether voters will view his shift as pragmatic or opportunistic will likely define his path in the coming primary season.