Hegar Exploring 2014 Run for Comptroller

State Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, says he is exploring a run for comptroller in 2014, working on the assumption that Comptroller Susan Combs will be moving on.

"I have started talking to people about running for comptroller in 2014," he told the Tribune. "I'm asking for people's counsel and advice and for their exploratory support."

Hegar waited to reveal his intentions until after the filing for offices for this year's elections had ended. He's running for another term in the Senate and didn't draw any major party opponents for either the primary or general election.

A former House member who moved up to the Senate in 2006, Hegar said he decided after the legislative session to seek the statewide office. "It's got a significant amount of responsibility, and frankly, it offers a large soapbox to talk about so many issues that are involved with the economy."

He could end up in a primary with one of his own constituents. Former gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina of Wharton has shown some interest in running for comptroller, too.

Combs is one of three statewide elected officials looking — officially or otherwise — at a 2014 race for lieutenant governor. Current Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is running for U.S. Senate. Combs, along with Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, has been positioning herself for a run to succeed Dewhurst should he move on.