Executive Summary
- Incumbent Chair Jim Wright faces four challengers in the March 3 GOP primary.
- Opponents include former Tarrant County GOP chair Bo French and returning candidates James Matlock and Hawk Dunlap.
- The Texas Railroad Commission is the chief regulatory body for the state’s oil and gas industry.
- The Democratic nominee for the commission seat is unopposed.
Texas Railroad Commission Chair Jim Wright is set to defend his seat against four Republican challengers in the primary election scheduled for March 3. The incumbent faces a crowded field as candidates vie for a position on the three-member board that regulates the state’s massive oil and gas industry.
According to campaign filings and reportage from the Dallas Morning News, Wright’s opponents include Bo French, the former Tarrant County GOP Party chair, as well as James Matlock, Hawk Dunlap, and Katherine Colbert. Both Matlock and Dunlap are returning to the ballot after previously running for the commission during the 2024 election cycle.
While the Republican primary features a contested five-way race, election records indicate that the Democratic candidate for the Railroad Commission remains unopposed in their respective primary.
Regulatory Implications
The Texas Railroad Commission holds significant influence over the state’s energy sector, serving as the primary regulator for oil and gas production, pipeline safety, and coal mining. The outcome of the March 3 GOP primary is expected to weigh heavily on the general election results, given the state’s historical voting patterns. The winner will play a pivotal role in shaping energy policy and environmental oversight in one of the world’s largest oil-producing regions, affecting both local economic stability and national energy markets.
