Huffines Family Acquires Jeffrey Epstein's Notorious New Mexico Ranch
The family of Donald Huffines, a Texas businessman and former GOP state senator, has purchased Jeffrey Epstein’s New Mexico ranch. Huffines is currently running for state comptroller.
The Purchase Confirmed
Allen Blakemore, a spokesperson for the Huffines family, confirmed the purchase to the Santa Fe New Mexican. Blakemore stated that the family acquired the property, listed at public auction, four years after Epstein’s death.
Proceeds from the sale are intended to benefit Epstein's victims.
The spokesperson also noted that the family had not visited the property prior to the auction.
Acquisition Details and Valuation Dispute
San Rafael Ranch LLC, a company established by the Huffines family, acquired the nearly 10,000-acre property, formerly known as Zorro Ranch, in 2023 for an undisclosed sum. New Mexico law permits anonymous ownership of private property via LLCs.
The property was initially valued at $21.1 million for the 2023 tax year, but the Huffines family contested this valuation, citing its "notoriety." Santa Fe county subsequently reassessed the property's value to $13.4 million. Court documents linked the LLC to Mary Catherine Huffines as the client/property owner.
Donald Huffines' Political Context
Donald Huffines is a leading candidate in the Texas GOP comptroller primary race. His campaign focuses on implementing a "private-sector mindset" in the Comptroller’s office and describes him as a "Trump Republican."
The Ranch's Troubled Legacy
Epstein’s Zorro ranch was reportedly a site where he abused teenage girls and young women, and where powerful individuals allegedly visited.
Recently released files have further detailed the friendship between Epstein and former President Trump, who is referenced multiple times in the documents.