Epstein Ranch in New Mexico Purchased by Family of Texas Comptroller Candidate
The family of Don Huffines, a former Texas state senator currently running for state comptroller, purchased the sprawling Zorro Ranch in New Mexico from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein in 2023. The acquisition, previously unreported until recently, has drawn scrutiny as New Mexico lawmakers consider a deeper investigation into allegations of criminal activity at the ranch.
The ranch, now renamed San Rafael Ranch, was acquired through San Rafael Ranch LLC, a limited liability company created just a month before the purchase, according to records obtained by The Santa Fe New Mexican. The Huffines family purchased the property after it was listed at public auction, with proceeds intended to benefit Epstein’s victims, according to a statement released by Huffines’ campaign spokesperson, Allen Blakemore. “Four years after Mr. Epstein’s death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims,” Blakemore said. “Prior to the auction listing, they had never visited the property.”
The purchase price remains undisclosed, though the property was initially listed for $27.5 million in 2021 before reportedly dropping to $18 million. The Huffines family later protested the property’s valuation for tax purposes, citing its “notoriety,” and successfully argued for a valuation of $13.4 million, The Texas Tribune reported.
The renewed attention to the ranch comes amid allegations that two girls may be buried on or near the property. These claims surfaced recently, prompting calls from New Mexico officials for federal and state authorities to launch a probe. Blakemore stated that the family had not been contacted by authorities regarding a search of the property but would cooperate fully should they be asked.
Epstein originally purchased the 7,000-plus acre ranch in 1993. It includes a 26,700-square-foot mansion, guest houses, a pool, ranch offices, a firehouse, heated garages, a private airstrip, and a helipad. The estate became known as a location where Epstein allegedly flew underage girls on his private jet and hosted influential associates, according to reports.
Huffines, a businessman, served in the Texas Senate representing the Dallas area. He unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Governor Greg Abbott in 2022. Recent polling indicates he currently holds a lead in the primary race for comptroller, a position responsible for managing the state’s finances, taxes, and investments.
The New Mexico House of Representatives recently approved a bipartisan “Truth Commission” to examine allegations of criminal activity at the ranch, The New York Post reported. This move coincides with the revelation of the Huffines family’s ownership and the renewed scrutiny surrounding the property’s history. The commission aims to investigate longstanding allegations that were previously not fully pursued by authorities.
The Zorro Ranch, now San Rafael Ranch, has undergone some changes since Epstein’s death. The address was updated from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road in 2024, according to The Santa Fe New Mexican.
