AUSTIN, Texas — Kinky Friedman, the author and comedian who had entered the campaign for Texas governor, abandoned his bid Monday and will run instead for agriculture commissioner.
In a statement issued by his campaign, Friedman said he came to his decision after meeting with two other Democrats who want to be the next governor: Houston Mayor Bill White and billionaire businessman Farouk Shami.
"This has always been about what is best for the people of Texas and the Democratic Party," Friedman said. "There is a clear alternative for the people of Texas, and today I'm changing courses with a happy heart."
Friedman said he would file for the agriculture commissioner race on Tuesday.
"Mayor White, Farouk and I share the same desire for changing the leadership in Austin, up and down the ballot," Friedman said in a statement.
