Breckenridge Texan

Austin R. Kelly, 2016 graduate of Breckenridge High School, has officially announced his candidacy for Texas Agriculture Commissioner in the 2026 election.

Kelly is a professional ecologist, agricultural consultant, and PhD student at Texas A&M University. He is running as a Libertarian.

Kelly’s family moved to Stephens County while he was in high school, a move that proved pivotal for his agricultural career. In a news release announcing his candidacy, Kelly credits much of his professional success to the mentorship he received while in Breckenridge.

While at Breckenridge High School under the guidance of local mentors, Kelly led the school’s ag program to numerous state placings and championships in a wide variety of ag contests. In particular, he developed expertise in Plant Identification, Range/Wildlife Judging, and Public Speaking that guided his future career plans.

“Breckenridge is where my passion for learning about the land started,” Kelly said. “Working for local operations, starting my own companies, and participating in 4-H and FFA programs gave me the practical skills that eventually led me to Texas A&M University. I want to utilize that spirit of local support and practical experience as the Commissioner of Agriculture.”

Kelly earned agriculture scholarships that helped pave the way for him to attend Texas A&M University completely self-funded. He also worked his way through university as a teaching assistant, where he specialized in botany and land management, and later served as a lecturer there after graduating with double majors and triple minors. He is continuing his education at A&M, currently earning a PhD in Rangeland Management.

As the founder of ARK Ecological Consulting, Kelly now helps Texas landowners implement comprehensive land management strategies and ecological assessments. His professional work keeps him active in Stephens County and across the state, where he continues to work with producers to implement habitat and grazing strategies rooted in scientific integrity.

Regarding the Agriculture Commissioner position, Kelly’s priorities include:

• Protecting Property Rights and Producers: Standing against overregulation, defending fundamental private property rights, and protecting the “Right to Farm.”
• Promoting Agricultural Science: Moving past political rhetoric to solve land and resource issues with proven, data-driven management.
• Supporting Youth Ag Programs: Supporting businesses that drive 4-H and FFA programs, providing the scholarships and career paths that rural and Ag students rely on.

The Texas Libertarian Party does not have primary elections, like the Republican and Democratic parties. In April the Texas Libertarian Party will hold its state convention in Abilene, where they will nominate candidates for office, as well as take care of other party business.

According to the party’s website, Kelly is the only Libertarian candidate for Ag Commissioner.

For more information, visit KellyForTX.com or follow @KellyForTX on social media.