Texas Republican Candidate Revealed as Buyer of Epstein's New Mexico Ranch
The purchaser of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling New Mexico estate, where numerous survivors have alleged they were sexually abused, has been identified as Donald Huffines, a Republican firebrand campaigning to become Texas' next comptroller. According to reports from the Santa Fe New Mexican, Huffines, a former Republican state senator from Dallas, acquired the notorious Zorro Ranch in southern Santa Fe County in 2023. This transaction occurred four years after Epstein was found dead in his New York jail cell.
Property Details and Sale Information
The secluded desert ranch, which features a massive 26,700-square-foot mansion, had originally been listed for sale in July 2021 with an asking price of $27.5 million. However, subsequent reports indicated the sale price had dropped significantly to approximately $18 million. While the exact amount Huffines paid remains undisclosed, a spokesperson for the family confirmed to the Santa Fe New Mexican that the proceeds from the sale were directed to benefit Epstein's victims.
'Four years after Mr. Epstein's death, the Huffines family purchased property in New Mexico listed at public auction, whose proceeds benefited his victims,' stated spokesperson Allen Blakemore. 'Prior to the listing auction, they had never visited the property.'
Post-Purchase Actions and Renaming
Following the acquisition, Huffines petitioned to have the ranch's assessed value lowered, arguing that the property's notoriety and the final sales price justified a reduction. Documents obtained by the Santa Fe New Mexican reveal that the Santa Fe County assessor agreed, determining in December 2024 that the property's value for fiscal year 2023 was $13.4 million, down from an initial assessment of $21.1 million.
By 2024, Huffines took steps to distance the property from its infamous past by renaming it the 'San Rafael Ranch' and changing its address from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road.
Political Context and Campaign Platform
Donald Huffines is currently the frontrunner in the Republican primary race for Texas comptroller, a position that oversees state financial matters. His campaign website outlines a platform aligned with conservative principles, including pledges to 'abolish woke DEI' (referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives) and 'eliminate benefits for illegal aliens.' He describes himself as a 'successful businessman, fifth-generation Texan and Trump Republican who will bring a private sector mindset to the comptroller's office.'
The website also notes endorsements from figures such as the late Charlie Kirk, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, conservative activist Riley Gaines, and various major conservative organizations in Texas.
Historical Background of the Ranch
Epstein originally purchased the Zorro Ranch in 1993 from former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. The property has since been linked to disturbing allegations, including reports that Epstein once confided to scientists about wanting to impregnate women at the ranch to spread his DNA. Multiple victims who have accused Epstein of sex trafficking have stated they were abused at this location.
Among these survivors is a woman identified as Jane, who reported being only 14 years old when she suffered abuse at Epstein's properties, including the New Mexico ranch. Virginia Giuffre, who famously accused Britain's former Prince Andrew of sexual assault, was also photographed at the ranch.
Ongoing Investigations and Legislative Response
New Mexico authorities are now working to establish a 'truth commission' to investigate potential illicit activities at the ranch and identify any individuals involved. This initiative, a New Mexico House measure, requires only House approval to move forward, bypassing the need for Senate or gubernatorial endorsement.
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday, with State Representative Andrea Romero expressing determination to 'get everything on the record in the timespan that [Epstein] was here.' She told KOB, 'When we heard the allegations from his various victims of people who alleged that they were trafficked here, that they were sexually abused here - some as children - I'm just heartbroken. And it's so disgusting to think that that happened on our watch at all.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Donald Huffines for further comment on the purchase and its implications.
