Sid Miller is facing some harsh accusations in his bid to remain Texas Agriculture Commissioner. And his antagonist is a fellow Republican.
Miller, who has had a controversial tenure as agriculture commissioner, is being challenged in the Republican primary by State Rep. James White. This week, White beefed up his attacks on Miller by accusing his campaign team of participating in a bribery scheme regarding issuing hemp licenses in the state.
In May, Todd Smith, a campaign consultant for Miller, was arrested for allegedly demanding campaign contributions in exchange for hemp licenses. The Texas Department of Agriculture oversees hemp licensing and distribution in the state.
White has made the bribery scandal a central focus of his campaign against Miller. Last week on the radio station 660 AM, White unloaded on Miller for overseeing an office that was allegedly trading cash for hemp licenses.
He also confronted Miller directly at a campaign debate in Cooke County. After Miller denied that his campaign consultant was even charged, White countered by holding up a tablet that appeared to show a court date for Smith.
White has also called for Miller to end his campaign and “cease any future Hollywood TV show recordings.” White was apparently referencing when Miller recently filmed a cameo on the Texas-set “1883,” a prequel to the popular Paramount show “Yellowstone.”
Susan Hays, who is running as a Democrat for Agriculture Commissioner, spoke to Texas Signal about White’s accusations. “Miller’s denial of an easily verifiable fact — that there is a court case on his consultant — demonstrates his pathological lack of integrity,” she said. “Texas farmers, ranchers, and families deserve a Commissioner who will do the work with honesty.”
A longtime writer and journalist, Jessica was thrilled to join the Texas Signal where she could utilize her unique perspective on politics and culture. As the Features and Opinion Editor, she is responsible for coordinating editorials and segments from diverse authors. She is also the host of the podcast the Tex Mix, as well as the co-host for the weekly SignalCast. Jessica attended Harvard College, is a onetime fitness blogger, and has now transitioned to recreational runner (for which her joints are thankful).
