AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former lawmaker Sid Miller has won the Republican nomination for Texas agriculture commissioner after a runoff boosted by a rare endorsement from Gov. Rick Perry.
Miller also played up using shock rocker Ted Nugent as his campaign treasurer. That gave his candidacy a star power that challenger Tommy Merritt couldn’t match.
Miller served in the Texas House for more than a decade before losing his West Texas seat two years ago. Perry made few endorsements this GOP primary season but threw his support behind Miller earlier this month.
Despite a historic Texas drought, Miller and Merritt spent much of their campaigns touting conservative credentials on issues such as gun rights and abortion instead of addressing farming.
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is leaving office after losing his bid for lieutenant governor.