Texas MAGA Candidate Identified as Owner of Epstein's Notorious Ranch Property
Don Huffines, a self-described "MAGA Trump Republican" running for Texas comptroller, has been revealed as the current owner of Jeffrey Epstein's infamous former Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, according to public records obtained by The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper.
Property Ownership Details and Transaction History
The 67-year-old businessman purchased the property through an entity called San Rafael Ranch LLC in 2023 for an undisclosed amount. The sprawling ranch, which includes a 26,700 square foot hilltop mansion where the late billionaire sex offender abused victims over a 26-year period, was first listed for sale in July 2021, two years after Epstein's suicide in a New York City jail cell.
Originally valued at $27.5 million when it hit the market, the property was assessed for tax purposes at $21.1 million for the 2023 fiscal year. The LLC argued that Epstein's "notoriety" and the property's higher sales price justified a lower valuation. The Santa Fe County assessor subsequently revalued the property at $13.4 million for that tax year.
Campaign Response and Political Context
Huffines' campaign spokesperson Allen Blakemore issued a statement clarifying that "four years after Mr Epstein's death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction whose proceeds benefited his victims." The statement emphasized that the family had never visited the property prior to the auction listing.
The GOP candidate, a former Texas state senator from Dallas, declares on his campaign website his intention to "DOGE Texas to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse and save taxpayer money" and make Texas "a lighthouse for liberty." His biography highlights his "deep Texas roots and commitment to faith, family, and freedom" along with his "generous" philanthropy and early work experience at his family's automotive business.
Political Standing and Endorsements
Huffines currently holds a significant lead in the Republican primary race for Texas comptroller, boasting a 20 percentage point advantage over Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and a 12 percentage point lead over Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, according to recent polling cited by The Texas Tribune.
His campaign has secured endorsements from prominent conservative figures including Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, former congressman Ron Paul, conservative influencer Riley Gaines, former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and the late Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Property History and Legislative Response
The Zorro Ranch property, whose address was changed from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road in 2024, was acquired by Epstein from former New Mexico governor Bruce King in 1993. New Mexico lawmakers are now seeking to establish a bipartisan "truth commission" to investigate what occurred at the ranch during Epstein's ownership.
State representative Andrea Romero told local media that "when we heard the allegations from his various victims of people who alleged that they were trafficked here, that they were sexually abused here – some as children – I'm just heartbroken, and it's just so disgusting to think that that happened on our watch at all."
Victim Testimonies and Ongoing Investigations
Several Epstein survivors have described their ordeals at the New Mexico property, including Annie Farmer and "Jane," while Virginia Giuffre was photographed at the ranch. The revelations about the property's ownership come as authorities continue to investigate Epstein's extensive network and the abuse that occurred at his various properties.
The property transaction and its connection to a prominent political candidate have raised questions about how Epstein's assets have been dispersed since his death and who has benefited from their sale.
