Don Huffines: Family Bought Jeffrey Epstein’s Ranch After His Death | Texas Tribune

Former Texas Senator’s Family Purchased Epstein’s Ranch

The family of Don Huffines, a former Republican Texas senator currently campaigning to become the state’s comptroller, purchased the Zorro Ranch in New Mexico previously owned by the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein after his death. The ranch was acquired at a public auction, with proceeds benefiting Epstein’s victims, according to a statement released by Huffines’ campaign.

“Four years after Mr. Epstein’s death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims. Prior to the auction listing, they had never visited the property,” said Allen Blakemore, Huffines’ campaign spokesperson, on Friday.

The ownership was initially reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican, based on public records obtained through information requests. A limited liability corporation connected to the Huffines family purchased the property in 2023 for an undisclosed sum.

The New Mexico newspaper reported that the company later contested the property’s valuation for tax purposes, citing the “notoriety” of the ranch as a factor in its assessment, which was set at $13.4 million. Public records linked Huffines to the company.

Huffines previously served in the Texas Senate, representing the Dallas area, and unsuccessfully ran for governor against Greg Abbott in 2022. Recent polling indicates he currently holds a lead in the Republican primary race for comptroller, which will be decided on March 3rd. The comptroller’s office is responsible for managing the state’s finances, including taxes, and investments.

Huffines is competing against Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who was appointed to the position last summer by Abbott, as well as Michael Berlanga and Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick.

The revelation of the Huffines family’s ownership of the ranch comes amid ongoing scrutiny following the release of further documents related to Epstein, whose connections to powerful figures and circumstances surrounding his death have fueled conspiracy theories and presented a political challenge for Republicans nationwide. The ranch’s history and Epstein’s crimes continue to draw attention as the case unfolds.