HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott campaigned Tuesday in Deer Park for Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright, endorsing him in the Republican primary runoff against former Tarrant County GOP chair Bo French ahead of the May 26 election.
Abbott said Texas needs experienced leadership at the Texas Railroad Commission, the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry.
“His primary opponent doesn’t know anything about oil and gas,” Abbott said of French. “His agenda would wreck the miracle that we have in producing more oil and gas than ever before.”
French has worked as an independent oil prospector and energy trader but has not previously served as a regulator. Wright has secured endorsements from Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, while French has the backing of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The runoff has drawn support from major conservative donors. Oil magnates Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks support French, while businessman Harlan Crow and casino owner Miriam Adelson back Wright.
Former Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman said the commission’s role is often misunderstood despite its impact on the state economy.
“The railroad commission is about empowering our most important industry, which is oil and gas,” Smitherman said. “Texas leads America in oil production and gas production.”
French nearly matched Wright in the March Republican primary, forcing a runoff after neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote.
Jon Taylor, chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said French has focused much of his campaign on cultural and political issues rather than energy regulation.
“He’s talked about the Islamic invasion of Texas. He’s talking about DEI. He’s talking about Chinese government and even abortion,” Taylor said. “The railroad commission has nothing to do with any of that.”
Houston-area state Rep. Jon Rosenthal won the Democratic nomination uncontested and will face either Wright or French in the November general election.
Early voting in the Republican primary runoff continues through Friday.
