A businessman running to be Texas comptroller has been identified as the buyer of Zorro Ranch, the former New Mexico property owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to records obtained by The Santa Fe New Mexican, Don Huffines, 67, is the current owner of the Santa Fe County estate through an entity called San Rafael Ranch LLC. The property, which includes a 26,700-square-foot hilltop mansion, was first listed for sale in July 2021, two years after Epstein’s 2019 death in a New York City jail cell.
The ranch was sold in 2023 for an undisclosed amount. It had previously been valued at $27.5 million and was assessed for tax purposes at $21.1 million for the 2023 fiscal year. The LLC reportedly argued that Epstein’s “notoriety” and the sales price justified a lower valuation. The Santa Fe County assessor later revalued the property at $13.4 million for that year. In 2024, the address was changed from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road.
Huffines’ campaign spokesperson said the Huffines family purchased the property at public auction four years after Epstein’s death and that the proceeds benefited Epstein’s victims. The spokesperson added that the family had never visited the property before it was listed and would cooperate fully if approached by law enforcement.
Don Huffines is a former Texas state senator from Dallas and a Republican candidate for Texas comptroller. He describes himself as a “MAGA Trump Republican” and says he intends to “DOGE Texas to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse and save taxpayer money,” positioning the state as “a lighthouse for liberty.”
His campaign bio emphasizes his “deep Texas roots,” commitment to “faith, family, and freedom,” and his early work in his family’s automotive business. Huffines has secured endorsements from prominent conservatives including Ted Cruz, Ron Paul, Riley Gaines, Vivek Ramaswamy, and the late Charlie Kirk.
According to The Texas Tribune, Huffines currently holds a 20-point lead over Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and a 12-point lead over Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick in the Republican primary race.
Meanwhile, New Mexico lawmakers are seeking to establish a bipartisan “truth commission” to examinewhat occurred at the ranchduring Epstein’s ownership. Survivors including Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell have been linked to abuse allegations connected to the property.
GetLatest NewsLive on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines fromUS Newsand around theWorld.
Naman is a copy editor at Times Now, with over three years experience in covering US News, politics, global affairs, sports, and other domains. Apart...View More
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
