More chaos erupted on Wednesday in the Republican Texas primary for agriculture commissioner, as a MAGA congressman caught the incumbent commissioner falsely claiming that he had endorsed him.
The seeds of the conflict were planted last month, reported Brad Johnson of Texas Bullpen, when Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, facing a hotly contested primary and trying to overcome years of scandals, made multiple social media posts claiming he had been endorsed by North Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson.
"I am proud to announce that I have received the endorsement of Congressman Ronny Jackson @RepRonnyJackson in my reelection campaign for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture," wrote Miller. "Congressman Jackson has a truly storied career of service to our nation. He is a retired @U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, a decorated physician, and a combat veteran who served as White House Physician to multiple presidents, including Donald J. Trump. Today, he continues that service in Congress by standing strong for Texas values, our military, and our farmers and ranchers."
Miller also prominently named Jackson on his list of endorsements and put out links to that list with a graphic prominently displaying Jackson's name and likeness.
There was just one problem: Jackson had not endorsed Miller. And this week, after learning about these false claims of endorsement, he jumped into the race — for Miller's main opponent.
"I’m proud to endorse [Nate Sheets] for Texas Agriculture Commissioner," said Jackson in a post on Wednesday. "Nate is a Navy veteran, successful entrepreneur, and true Texas conservative who understands what our farmers and ranchers need to not just succeed but to thrive. I know he’ll fight for Texas agriculture, protect our rural communities, and put hardworking Texans first!"
Speaking to Texas Bullpen, Jackson said, "I just became aware today that Sid Miller had used me as an endorsement without my permission. I did not endorse him and was planning to stay completely out of the race. I expressed my disappointment to Mr. Miller this morning and let him know I would be endorsing Mr. Sheets."
Miller has faced a litany of allegations and scandals over the years, including accusations that he mistreated his show horses, an incident in which he flew to Oklahoma at taxpayer expense to receive a "Jesus shot" for his chronic pain, and new complaints by Sheets that he is using state funds to improperly boost his own campaign.
