Drew Springer

A year and a half ago, Clayton Tucker and I entered this race from opposite sides of the political aisle, but with one thing in common: We both believed the current Ag Commissioner was corrupt and we needed to clean house at the TDA (see video for Clayton's own words). Fast forward to today, and Clayton is standing shoulder to shoulder with Sid Miller, the very politician we both set out to replace, and embracing his so-called "legacy." Think about that. After more than a decade of scandals, ethics violations, questionable judgment, and a culture of political favoritism at the Department of Agriculture, Clayton Tucker has decided to make common cause with the man responsible for leading it. This is the same Sid Miller whose longtime political consultant pleaded guilty to commercial bribery involving the sale of state hemp licenses, and whom Miller subsequently hired as his chief of staff. The same Sid Miller who faced ethics penalties over his use of public funds and campaign accounting. The same Sid Miller who hiked fees on farmers and ranchers, millions of dollars over what he claimed he needed money for. The same Sid Miller who led the Texas school lunch program to 44TH IN THE NATION. Texans deserve better than political alliances built around personal grudges and protecting the old guard. Clayton can call this partnership whatever he wants. But Texans can see what's happening. I didn't run against Sid Miller just to inherit his political machine. I ran to change the way the Department of Agriculture operates, restore integrity, and put Texas farmers, ranchers, and families first. You don't change the status quo by joining it. Texas voted for a new direction in March. I'm not backing down from delivering it. #txlege