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Texas Railroad Commissioner election, 2022
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Texas Railroad Commissioner |
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Republican primary Republican primary runoff |
Election details |
Filing deadline: December 13, 2021 |
Primary: March 1, 2022 Primary runoff: May 24, 2022 General: November 8, 2022 Pre-election incumbent(s): Wayne Christian (Republican) |
How to vote |
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in Texas |
Ballotpedia analysis |
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Texas held an election for one of three seats on the Texas Railroad Commission on November 8, 2022. The primary was scheduled for March 1, 2022, and a primary runoff was scheduled for May 24, 2022. The filing deadline was December 13, 2021.
For more information about the Republican primary, click here.
For more information about the Republican primary runoff, click here.
Incumbent Wayne Christian won election in the general election for Texas Railroad Commission.
Candidates and election results
General election
General election for Texas Railroad Commission
Incumbent Wayne Christian defeated Luke Warford, Jaime Díez, and Hunter Crow in the general election for Texas Railroad Commission on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Wayne Christian (R) | 55.4 | 4,401,187 | |
Luke Warford (D) | 40.5 | 3,222,305 | ||
Jaime Díez (L) | 3.0 | 239,489 | ||
Hunter Crow (G) | 1.1 | 85,570 |
Total votes: 7,948,551 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Republican primary runoff election
Republican primary runoff for Texas Railroad Commission
Incumbent Wayne Christian defeated Sarah Stogner in the Republican primary runoff for Texas Railroad Commission on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Wayne Christian | 65.0 | 574,573 | |
Sarah Stogner | 35.0 | 308,859 |
Total votes: 883,432 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission
Luke Warford advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Luke Warford | 100.0 | 916,650 |
Total votes: 916,650 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission
Incumbent Wayne Christian and Sarah Stogner advanced to a runoff. They defeated Tom Slocum Jr., Marvin Summers, and Dawayne Tipton in the Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Wayne Christian | 47.4 | 775,679 | |
✔ | Sarah Stogner | 15.0 | 244,949 | |
Tom Slocum Jr. | 14.3 | 234,439 | ||
Marvin Summers | 11.9 | 194,099 | ||
Dawayne Tipton | 11.5 | 188,428 |
Total votes: 1,637,594 | ||||
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Green convention
Green convention for Texas Railroad Commission
Hunter Crow advanced from the Green convention for Texas Railroad Commission on April 9, 2022.
Candidate | ||
✔ | Hunter Crow (G) |
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas Railroad Commission
Jaime Díez advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas Railroad Commission on April 10, 2022.
Candidate | ||
✔ | Jaime Díez (L) |
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Voting information
- See also: Voting in Texas
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Collapse all
|Hunter Crow (G)
Get big money out of politics! Our campaign takes no money from corporations or Political Action Committees (PACs).
More Voices, More Choices -- grass roots democracy requires Ranked Choice Voting!!
Jaime Díez (L)
NA
NA
Luke Warford (D)
We know lowering emissions is good for business. Texas has been an energy leader for decades, with oil and gas jobs helping millions of Texans provide for their families. In order for energy jobs to continue to be the backbone of the Texas economy for decades to come, we need a Texas Railroad Commission that embraces technology, innovation, and science. In today’s market, there is more demand for low-emissions and renewable energy than ever, and Texas needs to evolve to compete. It’s too important to wait.
Public safety will be my top priority when I am Texas Railroad Commissioner. Our current Commissioners are not doing enough to protect our air, our water, and our land, and instead put the interests of their wealthy donors ahead of public safety and well-being. We need to make more Texans aware of these failures in order to hold them accountable.
Hunter Crow (G)
Jaime Díez (L)
Luke Warford (D)
Reducing emissions to improve energy security and create jobs: In order to maintain Texas’ energy leadership and take advantage of the significant opportunities in today’s market, we must work to make our oil and gas cleaner, safer, and more affordable while also expanding Texas energy leadership in wind, carbon capture, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen.
Increasing transparency and accountability: 70% of current Commissioners’ campaign contributions come from the industry they regulate, and they regularly make decisions without debate or public testimony. More transparency would result in a better-functioning agency and make sure Commissioners serve the public interest.
Protecting our air and water: Recently, Commissioner Wayne Christian approved a waste disposal site that will threaten a major aquifer. Three days later, he got a $100,000 donation from the site owners. Plus, abandoned or orphaned wells that the RRC is responsible for regularly leak pollutants that end up in our drinking water. Texans need a Railroad Commission that will not sacrifice public safety in exchange for campaign contributions.Hunter Crow (G)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Hunter Crow (G)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Hunter Crow (G)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Luke Warford (D)
Just as important as industry knowledge, however, is the ability to communicate with legislators, business, and the general public about the work of the Commission. Transparency is a vital part of making the Railroad Commission work effectively, and if the public doesn’t feel like their needs are being met, and that the Railroad Commission is advocating for their concerns, as the people of Texas feel right now, then the Railroad Commission is failing its duty to Texans.
Luke Warford (D)
Campaign data
Campaign finance
General election
Democratic primary
Republican primary
May 24 Republican primary runoff
Incumbent Wayne Christian defeated attorney Sarah Stogner in the May 24 Republican primary runoff for the party's nomination for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. Both candidates had advanced to the runoff because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 1 primary. In that primary, Christian received 47.1% of the vote and Stogner was second with 15.2%.
After Christian and Stogner advanced to a runoff, Jeremy Blackman of the Houston Chronicle wrote, "Railroad Commission elections are usually sleepy affairs, but the agency has been gaining renewed attention for its role in last year’s deadly winter storm. Critics have pointed to commissioners' close industry ties and loose oversight of pipeline operators and natural gas producers, which made billions during the freeze while gas power plants struggled to secure fuel."[1] Before the runoff, Christian's campaign spokesman had told The Texas Tribune that "The choice in May couldn't be clearer: a pro-oil and gas businessman endorsed by virtually every conservative watchdog group and industry trade association, or a liberal lawyer that will increase regulations on the oil and gas industry."[2]
Christian was originally elected to the commission in 2016, defeating Grady Yarbrough (D), 53% to 38%, for an open seat after David Porter did not seek re-election. He also served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1997 to 2013. His website listed endorsements from U.S. Sen Ted Cruz (R) and three members of Texas' delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives. Christian's website described him as a businessman and said, "Throughout his first term, Christian developed a strong record of fighting against frivolous regulations and standing strong for free markets and American Energy Dominance."[3]
Stogner said on her campaign website that she represented landowners, oil service companies, and oil and gas well operators for more than 15 years. She listed her top three priorities as "1. Putting Texans to work to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy; 2. Preventing federal intervention in Texas energy regulation (we can govern ourselves); 3. Helping establish global ESG (environmental, social, and governance) metrics and standards."[4]Cite error: Closing </ref>
missing for <ref>
tag Dawayne Tipton (R), who received 11.5% of the vote in the March 1 primary and finished fifth, endorsed Stogner in the runoff on March 2, 2022.[5]
The commission does not regulate the railroad industry, but instead oversees the oil and gas business in Texas. The Railroad Commission has three members who are elected to six-year staggered terms such that one commissioner is up for election every two years. Heading into the election, the other two members of the Texas Railroad Commission were Christi Craddick (R) and James Wright (R).[6]
Christian faced Luke Warford (D) in the Nov. 8 general election. Warford was unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Sarah Stogner (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click on a candidate's name to view that candidate's responses.
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff compiled a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[7]
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
- Texas Railroad Commission (Assumed office: 2017)
- Texas House of Representatives (1997-2013)
Biography: Christian received a bachelor's degree in business from Stephen F. Austin University in 1973. He was a member of a country/gospel band that was a finalist for a Grammy Award in 1979. Christian's professional experience includes working in business, banking, and real estate and owning a financial services business.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Texas Railroad Commission in 2022.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am an experienced oil and gas attorney focusing on bringing fair, predictable, and effective leadership to the Railroad Commission of Texas. We need to include all stakeholders (including operators, landowners, mineral owners, regulators, and the general public) at the table as we usher in the next era of Texas energy independence."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Texas Railroad Commission in 2022.
Past elections
2020
General election
General election for Texas Railroad Commission
James Wright defeated Chrysta Castañeda, Matt Sterett, and Katija Gruene in the general election for Texas Railroad Commission on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | James Wright (R) | 53.0 | 5,831,263 | |
Chrysta Castañeda (D) | 43.6 | 4,792,422 | ||
Matt Sterett (L) | 2.3 | 247,659 | ||
Katija Gruene (G) | 1.2 | 129,638 |
Total votes: 11,000,982 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for Texas Railroad Commission
Chrysta Castañeda defeated Roberto Alonzo in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas Railroad Commission on July 14, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Chrysta Castañeda | 62.0 | 579,698 | |
Roberto Alonzo | 38.0 | 355,053 |
Total votes: 934,751 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission
Chrysta Castañeda and Roberto Alonzo advanced to a runoff. They defeated Kelly Stone and Mark Watson in the Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Chrysta Castañeda | 33.8 | 598,638 | |
✔ | Roberto Alonzo | 28.7 | 506,748 | |
Kelly Stone | 21.7 | 383,453 | ||
Mark Watson | 15.8 | 279,911 |
Total votes: 1,768,750 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission
James Wright defeated incumbent Ryan Sitton in the Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | James Wright | 55.3 | 991,593 | |
Ryan Sitton | 44.7 | 801,904 |
Total votes: 1,793,497 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Green convention
Green convention for Texas Railroad Commission
Katija Gruene advanced from the Green convention for Texas Railroad Commission on April 18, 2020.
Candidate | ||
✔ | Katija Gruene (G) |
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas Railroad Commission
Matt Sterett defeated Charlie Stevens in the Libertarian convention for Texas Railroad Commission on August 3, 2020.
Candidate | ||
✔ | Matt Sterett (L) | |
Charlie Stevens (L) |
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2018
General election
General election for Texas Railroad Commission
Incumbent Christi Craddick defeated Roman McAllen and Mike Wright in the general election for Texas Railroad Commission on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Christi Craddick (R) | 53.2 | 4,376,729 | |
Roman McAllen (D) | 43.9 | 3,612,130 | ||
Mike Wright (L) | 2.9 | 237,984 |
Total votes: 8,226,843 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- George Reiter (G)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission
Roman McAllen defeated Chris Spellmon in the Democratic primary for Texas Railroad Commission on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Roman McAllen | 58.5 | 535,855 | |
Chris Spellmon | 41.5 | 380,091 |
Total votes: 915,946 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission
Incumbent Christi Craddick defeated Weston Martinez in the Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Christi Craddick | 75.8 | 1,036,964 | |
Weston Martinez | 24.2 | 330,407 |
Total votes: 1,367,371 | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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See also
Texas | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Houston Chronicle, "Republican Wayne Christian faces runoff in Railroad Commission primary," March 2, 2022
- ↑ The Texas Tribune, "Wayne Christian, incumbent commissioner overseeing oil and gas industry, is headed to a runoff," March 2, 2022
- ↑ Wayne Christian, Railroad Commissioner, "About Wayne Christian," accessed February 23, 2022
- ↑ Sarah Stogner Republican Candidate, Texas Railroad Commissioner, "Platforms," accessed February 23, 2022
- ↑ Twitter, "Dawayne Tipton," March 2, 2022
- ↑ Railroad Commission of Texas, "Commissioners," accessed January 25, 2021
- ↑ In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.