Bo French has declared victory over incumbent Jim Wright in the Republican primary runoff for Texas Railroad Commissioner. French, a former Tarrant County GOP chairman, emphasized conservative priorities such as opposing DEI initiatives and Sharia Law, rather than traditional regulatory issues. His campaign also focused on defending the oil and gas industry and promoting an ‘America First’ agenda.

Upcoming General Election

French is set to face Democrat state Rep. Jon Rosenthal in the November general election. A Democrat has not held a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission in decades, making this race particularly significant. French’s victory in the primary was narrow, with less than a 2 percentage point lead over Wright.

Campaign Dynamics

The race attracted significant financial contributions, with French’s campaign receiving substantial support from conservative megadonors. The Texas Freedom Fund for the Advancement of Justice, funded by oil tycoons Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, contributed over a million dollars to his campaign. Meanwhile, Wright’s campaign was backed by major oil companies and trade groups.

Controversial Campaign Tactics

French’s campaign was marked by controversial statements and tactics. He accused Wright of allowing ‘Sharia law’ within the agency and used derogatory language in social media posts. These actions drew criticism from within his own party, with prominent figures like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott endorsing Wright instead.

Challenges Ahead

If elected, French will join the three-commissioner panel overseeing the Texas Railroad Commission, a key regulatory body for the state’s oil and gas industry. The commission faces challenges such as fluctuating oil prices and environmental concerns related to industry wastewater. The commissioners will manage a $593 million budget, the largest in years.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.