AUSTIN – Texas’ top three Republican leaders are lining up behind Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright, giving the incumbent a major boost in an increasingly combative runoff for the agency that regulates the state’s oil and gas industry.
Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have all backed Wright ahead of the May 26 race, the latest sign of establishment muscle against rival Bo French, the former Tarrant County GOP chairman.
Wright said the endorsements reflect support for his push to keep Texas “the energy capital of the world,” protecting jobs, the economy and national security.
French dismissed the endorsements, saying voters want a conservative commissioner who will slash unnecessary regulation, fight DEI and promote an “America First Agenda.”
GOP heavyweights: Abbott had previously endorsed Wright. Patrick and Burrows did not endorse in the March primary in which Wright finished first with 32.1%, followed by French at 31.7%. The runoff was required because neither received more than 50%.
The three Republican leaders highlighted Wright’s experience in the industry as a reason for their endorsements. Fellow commissioners Christi Craddick and Wayne Christian are also backing Wright.
Wright, meanwhile, is leaning heavily into “energy independence” and national security themes. A new radio ad touts record oil revenues topping $6 billion and portrays Wright as a defender of Texas energy against “radical militant Islamists” and other threats.
Candidate clash: Wright, in interviews, has called French a “show pony,” accusing him of making inflammatory comments disconnected from the commission’s work.
Last year, French posted a social media poll asking whether Jews or Muslims were the “biggest threat to America.”
French did not step down until announcing his run for the commission last November. He has continued to come under fire for urging Republicans to more openly embrace Islamophobia, using slurs targeting gay people and people with disabilities, and for comments about immigrants and Native Americans that critics described as racist and extremist.
French said Texans want “someone who will be an unapologetic warrior” and that his provocative remarks have been taken out of context.
Runoff stakes: Early voting for the runoff begins Monday. The winner will face state Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, a mechanical engineer. Democrats have not won a statewide race in more than three decades.