Trump Republican Candidate's Family Acquires Epstein's New Mexico Ranch
The family of a self-proclaimed "Trump Republican" candidate in Texas has purchased Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling New Mexico ranch, a property where the convicted sex trafficker abused teenage girls and young women, according to newly disclosed documents. The acquisition, confirmed by a spokesperson, raises questions amid ongoing political campaigns and revelations about Epstein's network.
Details of the Purchase and Property Valuation
In 2023, San Rafael Ranch LLC, an entity created by the Huffines family, bought the nearly 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, for an undisclosed price. Initially, the property was valued at $21.1 million for tax purposes, but the Huffines argued this was inflated due to its "notoriety." Following their appeal, Santa Fe county reassessed the value to $13.4 million. Court records link the LLC to Mary Catherine Huffines, listed as the property owner, though the family claims they never visited the site before the public auction.
A spokesperson for Donald Huffines, Allen Blakemore, stated: "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." New Mexico law allows anonymous ownership through LLCs, which kept the buyers private initially.
Political Context and Huffines' Campaign
Donald Huffines, a Texas businessman and former GOP state senator, is currently the frontrunner in the Republican primary race for comptroller, as per recent polling by the Texas Tribune. His campaign platform includes a pledge to "DOGE Texas government," referencing the controversial Department of Government Efficiency once led by Elon Musk, known for chaotic federal workforce layoffs and contract cancellations.
Huffines describes himself as "a successful businessman, 5th-generation Texan, and Trump Republican who will bring a private-sector mindset to the Comptroller's office and put Texas first." He has garnered endorsements from prominent MAGA figures, including Senator Ted Cruz, the late Charlie Kirk, anti-trans activist Riley Gaines, Ron Paul, and Vivek Ramaswamy. The spokesperson did not respond to inquiries about the purpose behind the ranch purchase.
Broader Implications and Epstein Files
This revelation emerges as the Trump administration faces pressure over the release of Epstein-related documents, which mention the former president thousands of times. After initially making the files a campaign feature, Trump retreated, only releasing more under bipartisan scrutiny. The documents detail a friendship between Trump and Epstein, including an alleged sexually suggestive birthday note from Trump to Epstein on his 50th birthday.
Recent reporting has highlighted the Zorro Ranch's role in Epstein's sex trafficking operations, where powerful men, including a former state governor, allegedly visited. The ranch was also linked to Epstein's reported plans to spread his DNA by impregnating multiple women. Newly released photos show guests such as French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, linguist Noam Chomsky, and film-maker Woody Allen at the property.
The purchase underscores ongoing controversies surrounding Epstein's legacy and its intersection with political figures, as victims seek justice and transparency in the aftermath of his crimes.
