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Railroad Commissioner

6-year termOne regular six-year seat is up. Incumbent Republican Jim Wright, first elected in 2020, lost the May 26, 2026 Republican runoff to Bo French, so no incumbent is on the ballot. No unexpired-term Railroad Commission seat appears on the ballot. Finance figures are through June 30, 2026 as reported by the Texas Tribune.Fully researched. Last researched Oct 20, 2026Report a correction
Republican
Democratic
Libertarian
Priorities for This Office
What does the candidate say they would prioritize in this office?
End DEI programs at the commission, reduce regulation, oppose what he describes as "Chinese government and radical Islamic influence" in Texas oil, enforce the foreign land ownership ban, and promote U.S.-Israel partnerships. 
Data center policy, a more responsive commission, affordable gas utility rates, and energy jobs. 
Free-market energy development without subsidies or mandates, competitive pipeline access, and protecting mineral and surface owners from eminent domain. 
Relevant Experience
What experience does the candidate cite as qualifying them for this office?
Cites energy industry work since 1994, mineral ownership and ranching, and running security businesses in the Middle East serving energy companies. 
Cites about 25 years as a drilling equipment engineer and engineering manager and four terms in the Texas House. 
Cites years of Libertarian activism and 2023 legislative testimony; no professional credentials listed. 
Operations and Service
What changes, if any, does the candidate propose to how the office operates or serves the public?
Proposed a 'pro-family credentialing program' for oil and gas operators; no other operational changes located. 
Regional community liaisons and language access, a 24/7 hotline, ending routine flaring and venting, leak detection rules, expanded well plugging with public dashboards, and denying permits to violators. 
Hold operators responsible for well plugging and cleanup through bonding and insurance requirements priced to risk, with transparent compliance. 
Issue 1 of 3

Priorities for This Office

What does the candidate say they would prioritize in this office?
Republican
End DEI programs at the commission, reduce regulation, oppose what he describes as "Chinese government and radical Islamic influence" in Texas oil, enforce the foreign land ownership ban, and promote U.S.-Israel partnerships. 
Democratic
Data center policy, a more responsive commission, affordable gas utility rates, and energy jobs. 
Libertarian
Free-market energy development without subsidies or mandates, competitive pipeline access, and protecting mineral and surface owners from eminent domain. 
Sources for this contest (6)
  1. Sample Ballot, General and Special Elections, November 3, 2026, Harris County Clerk / Harris County Elections. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  2. List of Declared Write-In Candidates (Form AW2-12), November 2026, Tarrant County Elections. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  3. Texas 2026 candidate directory, Politics1. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  4. 2026 Texas Railroad Commissioner election, Wikipedia. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  5. Texas Railroad Commission election 2026: Bo French, Jon Rosenthal, The Texas Tribune. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.
  6. Texas primary runoff results 2026, The Texas Tribune. Retrieved Oct 20, 2026.