Donald Huffines purchases infamous Jeffrey Epstein Zorro Ranch in New Mexico while running for Texas comptroller

In a development raising eyebrows across the political and media spectrum, Donald Huffines, former Republican state senator from Dallas and current frontrunner in the Texas comptroller primary, purchased the infamous Zorro Ranch in southern Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

The property, once owned by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, has long been linked to allegations of sexual abuse by multiple survivors.

Huffines acquired the sprawling desert estate in 2023, four years after Epstein’s death in a New York detention center.

The ranch features a massive 26,700-square-foot mansion and was initially listed for $27.5 million in 2021, though later reports suggested the sale price dropped to $18 million.

Proceeds Directed to Epstein’s Victims

According to a family spokesperson, Allen Blakemore, the purchase was conducted at a public auction with proceeds benefiting 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,” Blakemore said.

Despite buying the estate sight unseen, Huffines later petitioned to lower the property’s assessed value, citing its notoriety and the final sales price.

Santa Fe County ultimately reduced the valuation to $13.4 million for fiscal year 2023, down from an initial $21.1 million.

Rebranding and Distancing From Epstein

To further distance the property from its dark past, Huffines reportedly renamed it the “San Rafael Ranch” and changed its address from 49 Zorro Ranch Road to 49 Rancho San Rafael Road.

These moves appear to be an effort to detach the estate from Epstein’s notorious legacy while establishing it under a new identity.

Huffines’ Political Ambitions

Huffines is now running for Texas comptroller, overseeing state financial matters.

His campaign is steeped in conservative messaging, including promises to “DOGE Texas Government” and “abolish woke DEI programs.”

His website emphasizes his identity as a “successful businessman, fifth-generation Texan, and Trump Republican,” touting endorsements from conservative figures like the late Charlie Kirk and Senator Ted Cruz.

While his political career continues to rise in Texas, the New Mexico property carries a significant burden, given its past associations.

Epstein purchased the ranch in 1993 from former Governor Bruce King and reportedly discussed disturbing plans regarding spreading his DNA.

Multiple victims have come forward alleging abuse at the estate, including Virginia Giuffre, who linked her experiences there to Epstein and his high-profile associates.

New Mexico Seeks Truth Commission

The New Mexico House is moving forward with a “truth commission” to investigate whether illegal activity occurred at the ranch and who may have been involved.

A hearing is scheduled, with State Rep.

Andrea Romero expressing heartbreak over the allegations and emphasizing the need to document the abuses.

Authorities hope the commission will shed light on the estate’s history and provide closure for survivors.

Huffines has yet to comment directly on the ongoing investigation or its implications for his political campaign.

What’s next?

Lawmakers in New Mexico are preparing to hold hearings to establish the truth commission officially.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether this will reveal further information about Epstein’s activities at the ranch.

Meanwhile, Huffines’ political trajectory in Texas continues, though the estate’s legacy could become a topic of scrutiny during the comptroller race.

Summary

Donald Huffines, Republican ex-senator and Texas comptroller candidate, purchased Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous Zorro Ranch in New Mexico in 2023.

The estate, linked to multiple allegations of sexual abuse, was renamed the San Rafael Ranch and had its assessed value lowered.

Proceeds from the sale reportedly benefited Epstein’s victims.

New Mexico authorities are establishing a truth commission to investigate alleged crimes at the property.

Huffines’ acquisition now intersects with his rising political profile, potentially bringing scrutiny to his campaign.