Feb. 17, 2026 — Near Stanley, N.M. Former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for Texas comptroller, announced plans to convert Jeffrey Epstein‘s former Zorro Ranch into a Christian retreat center, renaming it Rancho de San Rafael after a saint associated with healing. Huffines purchased the 7,500- to 8,000-acre property in 2023 under an anonymous LLC, with proceeds benefiting Epstein’s victims, and revealed the initiative on X on Feb. 16 amid a new state investigation into the ranch’s past.
Huffines, who served in the Texas Senate from 2015 to 2019 and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022, described the transformation as putting “light in a dark place.”
“This was obviously a dark place, and we wanted to put light in a dark place… My faith is so strong in Jesus, and it really is, and I’m going to make this — the plan all along is to make this property into a Christian retreat.”
He told former Rep. Matt Gaetz in a Tuesday interview that creating the retreat was the main reason for the purchase. A new entrance sign will read, “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO COME IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.”
Ranch Background
Epstein owned the ranch, located about 30-40 miles southeast of Santa Fe, since 1993 until his 2019 death in federal custody. It includes a 26,700-square-foot mansion and other structures, plus adjacent state land previously leased by Epstein but canceled in 2019. The site has faced allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking involving figures like former Gov. Bill Richardson and Prince Andrew, with survivors reporting experiences there, according to attorneys like Sigrid McCawley.
New Mexico Investigation
On Feb. 16, the New Mexico House unanimously passed a resolution creating a “Truth Commission” to probe failures leading to alleged abuses at the ranch, including claims of toddler-aged children and teens victimized there. The commission held its first meeting on Feb. 17.
“This Truth Commission will finally fill in the gaps of what we need to know as a public… so we can learn from them and prevent these atrocities from taking place ever again in our state.”
State Rep. Andrea Romero said. U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury added, “New Mexico is acting where the federal government is failing to do so.”
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard expressed frustration over uninvestigated claims, including an anonymous allegation of two girls buried nearby. Chief Deputy Attorney General James Grayson noted such claims appear unsubstantiated but welcomed verifiable information.
Huffines stated his family has cooperated fully, noting no law enforcement has requested access despite their offer. State Rep. Marianna Anaya referenced local “whispers” about Epstein’s enablers.
Huffines posted on X: “What the enemy once meant for evil, God can redeem for good,” echoing his vision for physical and spiritual healing at the site.