Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced today that he will be stepping aside after a lengthy tenure serving the State of Texas as an elected official. Commissioner Staples released this statement:

“Serving the people of Texas in elected office for more than 20 years has been an indescribable honor. From working at the local level as a city council member in my hometown of Palestine to serving in both the House and Senate of the Texas Legislature to now serving statewide as the elected Agriculture Commissioner, one element has been consistently clear to me: God has blessed Texas beyond description.  

“Texas has led the nation in many categories and experienced phenomenal growth over the past few years because the same strength and resolve that were present at the Alamo in 1836 are alive and well today. Fostering the principles of liberty and independence, as well as continuing to cultivate an atmosphere of growth and opportunity for all Texans regardless of the circumstances of our birth or from what zip code we reside, has been my goal. I am proud to say I have been able to work with some of the most dedicated and resilient men and women on the planet serving this great state and promoting free market principles and individual responsibility.

“These last few years of working with all Texans as your Commissioner of Agriculture on far ranging policy areas such as rural economic growth and urban water availability, job creation, national security, home and landowner rights, and alongside the farmers and ranchers of Texas who provide the food and fiber upon which we all rely has reinforced my confidence in the future of our grand state.

“With every season comes change, and it is with much thought and consideration that I am announcing I will be stepping aside as the Commissioner of Agriculture within the next 2 months to ensure a smooth transition.

“I want to thank the people of Texas, my tremendously talented staff, the Texas leadership, and current and former members of the Legislature for giving me and supporting me in the best job in Texas. Together, we have expanded our domestic ability to sustain our nation’s food and fiber needs, expanded markets for our food and fiber producers, enhanced consumer protection, promoted healthy living and independence, created a platform for business and job expansion, and reduced the cost of doing so by employing cutting-edge efficiency measures that have returned more than $50 million to Texas taxpayers.

“I am pleased the Texas Department of Agriculture will be in good hands for the time between my departure and when a new Commissioner takes office. Chief of Staff Shannon Rusing and Deputy Commissioner Drew DeBerry, who by statute holds all the authorities of the Commissioner, will continue in their roles during this transition time.

“As the next president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, I will continue to fight for Texas to be the leader in our national and world economy. As I embark on this new challenge, I do so equipped with the knowledge and leadership lessons learned through my current and previous public service and private sector roles. I also leave with immeasurable gratitude to Texans for allowing me to serve the Lone Star State.

“May God continue to bless the great State of Texas.”