Humorist, musician and author Kinky Friedman announced Monday that he is abandoning his campaign for Texas Governor and entering the race to become the Democratic nominee for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture.
The announcement followed Friedman's weekend meetings with Democratic gubernatorial candidates Bill White and Farouk Shami.
"This has never been about me; this has always been about what is best for the people of Texas and the Democratic Party," Friedman said in a statement released Monday. "After my visit with Bill my mind was made up. There is a clear alternative for the people of Texas, and today I'm changing courses with a happy heart.
Friedman expressed confidence in both White and Farouk, but has not endorsed either candidate.
"Mayor White, Farouk and I share the same desire for changing the leadership in Austin, up and down the ballot," Friedman said.
He said he now plans to focus on revamping the agriculture commissioner position.
"I've determined that the best way that I can help the ticket and serve Texas families is by switching to the Ag Commissioner's race. Former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower explained how much the office does and how much potential there is to do more."
Friedman said he will file Tuesday with the Texas Democratic Party. He ran for governor as an independent in 2006.
