The Railroad Commission regulates energy infrastructure across Texas. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
Jones Road shut down in NW Harris County after 2 pedestrians injured in hit-and-run8-year-old dead, 2 hospitalized after crash on W. Little York in NW Harris CountyTo help readers learn more about primary candidates, The Texas Tribune is sharing background information on top candidates.
In particularly crowded races, we focused on candidates with political experience or demonstrably competitive campaigns, using benchmarks such as fundraising, endorsements and online presence. For a full list of candidates, view our primaryThe Railroad Commission, one of Texas’ oldest regulatory agencies, oversees a constellation of energy infrastructure across the state. Its elected commissioners and staff are tasked with regulating oil and gas production, natural gas facilities, hydrogen, pipelines, coal and uranium surface mining. The agency has not regulated railroads since 2005. With several field offices across Texas, the commission inspects facilities, enforces penalties and reports to the Texas Legislature. More recently, the agency has also taken on regulating hydrogen storage and carbon dioxide injection and storage, as companies look toFar and away, Texas commands U.S. oil and gas. The industry drills more oil and other hydrocarbons than all the other states combined. This massive industry employs nearly half a million Texans and pays billions of dollars to local and state coffers. And it’s changing. Seeking to become more profitable, oil companies are evolving their business models to expand their ability to deliver natural gas — which powers electricity generation — to data centers. Oil companies are also set to build facilities designed to inject carbon dioxide underground to reduce air pollution. The commission will oversee and regulate these ventures. And as Texas becomes more extreme-weather prone, the agency is also responsible for ensuring that natural gas facilities are prepared to avoid shortages or incidents that could affect the state’s power grid and lead to widespread power outages.Diamondback Energy TX PAC — $10,000Wants to cut red tape, ending what he said are “unnecessary federal delays” for energy infrastructure, including pipelines and liquified natural gas terminalsPromotes emerging technology, such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and hydrogen storage Believes in landowners rights, and that operators on their property should “follow the rules” regarding land remediation, such as cleaning up possible contamination of soil and groundwaterSchuyler Wight, private landowner in West Texas — $5,000 Sarah Stogner, an oil and gas attorney, former Texas Railroad Commission candidate, now a District Attorney in West Texas, — $8,000 in-kind donationFormer candidate for the Railroad Commission Frequently educates people about the commission’s work on social media, where he’s amassed a larger following than his competitors, with more than 150,000 followers across multiple platformsHighly critical of the railroad commission’s approach toward regulating the oil and gas industry — which he argues is lax.Revamping statewide produced water injection policies, with a goal to reduce the volume overallCareer engineer with a background on safety, industrial processes and accountability on complex energy operationsA push for lower rates and a “cost-conscious” energy system by ensuring natural gas facilities prepare their facilities for extreme weather conditions and deliver natural gas Wants the commission to have a concrete preparedness plan to regulate the rapidly evolving energy industryMarcia French, president of French oil company — $20,000A high-ranking political activist, French has led the push to shift the party further right Has drawn sharp criticism and calls to step down as county chair following a poll in which he asked his social media followers whether Jews or Muslims were a bigger threat to the country.As commissioner, he wants to stop what he refers to as an Islamic invasion of Texas from stealing oil and gas resources Has pledged to end Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, funding and practices at the Texas Railroad CommissionHas said he will promote more partnerships between the U.S. government and Israel, which he refers to as a key ally Vocal proponent of “pro-life” efforts and emphasizing the nuclear family, campaigning to establish a “pro-family credentialing program” for oil and gas operatorsServed as state representative in the Texas Legislature for four termsA supporter of U.S. energy independence and efficiency, and lower carbon emissions, Rosenthal said he believes former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helped the country advance its energy needs Rosenthal said that President Donald Trump’s administration is doing the bidding of oil and gas industry executives, adding that the Railroad Commission has taken a similar approach. He said the oil and gas industry is being regulated by people from the industry who now serve in government. The Railroad Commission, Rosenthal said, has not sufficiently enforced its regulations. The agency should apply existing laws, measure the results and work with the Texas Legislature on modifications, he said.Hiring community liaisons for the Texas Railroad Commission in every region, and expand language access to include Spanish and Vietnamese, among others A 24/7 hotline for Texans managed by the railroad commission that includes the ability to text, track numbers for cases and resolution timelinesRequirements to capture gas, with enforcement timelines and support for smaller operators End flaring and venting practices to dispose of natural gas except in emergencies and adding modern leak detection and repair requirements Repurposing wells that no longer produce oil and gas for new industries, such as geothermal and carbon dioxide storageDemocratic Rep. Jon Rosenthal will run for Texas Railroad CommissionDisclosure: Texas Oil & Gas Association has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a completeHouston Police Remove Occupant from Crashed Vehicle on Travis StreetUPDATE: After Houston woman hit with $134K solar bill, company agrees to remove panels at no costSinkhole shuts down all eastbound mainlanes on East Freeway
Economy Energy Politics State Government 2026 Primary Explainer Elections (Private) (Subject) James 'Jim' Wright (Person) Primary Election State Agencies (Subject) Well B Homepage Texas Legislature
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Baldwin County Commission posts statements on proposed solar project in Stockton areaThe county says the post concerns what the county can and cannot legally do under current law.
Read more »
Settlement reached to control ‘nurdles’ released along San Diego railroadNew policies announced to better control transportation of plastic pellets in rail cars and shipping containers
Read more »
Texas Senate Election Highlights Shifting Latino Voter InfluenceAnalysis of a recent Texas Senate election reveals a significant leftward shift among Latino voters, impacting the outcome and signaling potential political dangers for Republicans in upcoming elections. The report also includes updates on a shooting involving a deputy, narcotics raids, and payment issues related to a cleanup.
Read more »
Congressional commission warns China's Pacific infrastructure projects could pose a military threatFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Texas Railroad Commissioner, Republican primary candidate recommendationWe recommend in the Republican primary for Railroad Commissioner
Read more »
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: Georgia State Railroad Museum, Hour 3Premieres Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+ / Encore Sunday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. on KPBS 2. Travel with ROADSHOW to historic Savannah and learn about intriguing discoveries including a Tiffany & Co. gold & platinum purse, ca. 1915, an Ernie Barnes oil painting, ca. 1963 and a Ming Dynasty bronze vase.
Read more »