Going from the Texas Senate to a statewide office opens up political challenges and opportunities for the veteran lawmaker from North Texas.

Republican State Sen Kelly Hancock resigned from the Texas Senate and was hired to be the Chief Clerk at the Texas Comptroller's office on Thursday. The move puts Hancock in the position to become the acting Comptroller of Public Accounts when Comptroller Glenn Hegar leaves his position to become the next Chancellor of the Texas A&M System on July 1.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Thursday named now-former state Sen. Kelly Hancock as chief clerk, setting the stage for the North Texas Republican to take over the office in a few weeks when Hegar leaves to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.