LinkedIn

Bo French received a bachelor's degree in history from Texas Christian University. He is a father.

Bo is a rancher and mineral owner. He works at his ranch in Texas and manages his mineral holdings. He previously worked as an energy trader from 1994 to 2004. He also owned and operated security businesses in the Middle East, providing protection for some of the world’s largest energy companies.

Businessman With History of Controversies Seeking Tarrant GOP ...

Bo is a rancher and mineral owner. He previously worked as an energy trader from 1994 to 2004. He also owned and operated security businesses in the Middle East, providing protection for oil companies.

Bo French previously ran for the Texas House of Representatives in 2016 and in 2018 but did not win.

Bo French - Ballotpedia

Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French stepping down, running ...

Believes that the Railroad Commission should cut regulations rather than centralize its power in Austin and cut the stranglehold on oil and gas operators so that Texans can thrive.

Believes that the Railroad Commission should cut regulations rather than "centralize its power in Austin and cut the stranglehold on oil and gas operators so that Texans can thrive."

Opposes using diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria in the Texas oil and gas industry.

Wants to pre-screen organizations that want to purchase oil and gas production to ensure there is no foreign ownership.

Supports collaboration and partnership with allies, like Israel, to research and expand the Texas gas and oil industries.

- Believes that the Railroad Commission should cut regulations rather than "centralize its power in Austin and cut the stranglehold on oil and gas operators so that Texans can thrive."
- Opposes using diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria in the Texas oil and gas industry.
- Wants to pre-screen organizations that want to purchase oil and gas production to ensure there is no foreign ownership.
- Supports collaboration and partnership with allies, like Israel, to research and expand the Texas gas and oil industries.

Energy & the Environment

Twitter

Facebook

Bo French

Bo French received a bachelor's degree in History from Texas Christian University. He is a father.

- Believes that the Railroad Commission should cut regulations rather than "centralize its power in Austin and cut the stranglehold on oil and gas operators so that Texans can thrive."

- Believes that the Railroad Commission should "cut regulations rather than centralize its power in Austin and cut the stranglehold on oil and gas operators so that Texans can thrive."

Alejandra Gracias

Walter Ley

Hawk attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences.

Longview native hopes to protect Texas land, water if elected to Railroad Commission

Hawk Dunlap loves the oil industry. That’s why he’s fighting Chevron. | Opinion

BallotReady Candidate Profile - Hawk Dunlap

Hawk Dunlap is originally from Longview, Texas. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Stephen F. Austin State University. Dunlap has three children.

Q&A: Get to know the Republican primary candidates for Texas railroad commissioner

Hawk currently works as Director of Global Operations and Well Control at Well Control Management International, a company that provides risk management and emergency response services for oil and gas operations. He previously worked as a senior well control specialist at CUDD Pressure Control, principal partner and consultant for J-Tiga Consulting, well control and drilling specialist at Wild Well, and well control specialist at Boots & Coots Services Inc.

Hawk previously ran for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2024, but did not win.

Supports reforming well-plugging practices to prevent groundwater contamination and abandoned wells that continue to leak toxic chemicals.

Supports stronger oversight and enforcement in the oil and gas industry.

Prioritizes protecting land and groundwater from contamination.

Advocates for plugging orphaned wells using industry funding rather than taxpayer dollars.

Supports requiring and investing in recycling and reusing industrial water to reduce reliance on groundwater, warning that current disposal practices risk earthquakes and surface blowouts due to limited underground storage space.

Describes himself as supportive of oil and gas while advocating improved industry practices

States he is “source agnostic” on renewable energy and supports reliable, affordable power.

Supports increased accountability to safeguard natural resources and communities.

Supports hiring experienced inspectors and issuing fines for regulatory violations.

- Supports stronger oversight and enforcement in the oil and gas industry.
- Prioritizes protecting land and groundwater from contamination.
- Advocates for plugging orphaned wells using industry funding rather than taxpayer dollars.
- Supports requiring and investing in recycling and reusing industrial water to reduce reliance on groundwater, warning that current disposal practices risk earthquakes and surface blowouts due to limited underground storage space.
- Describes himself as supportive of oil and gas while advocating improved industry practices
- States he is “source agnostic” on renewable energy and supports reliable, affordable power.
- Supports increased accountability to safeguard natural resources and communities.
- Supports hiring experienced inspectors and issuing fines for regulatory violations.

Hawk Dunlap

Hawk Dunlap is originally from Longview, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Stephen F. Austin State University. Dunlap shares three children with his now ex-wife.

Hawk Dunlap is running for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2026. He previously ran for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2024, but did not win.

- Supports stronger oversight and enforcement in the oil and gas industry.
- Prioritizes protecting land and groundwater from contamination.
- Advocates for plugging orphaned wells using industry funding rather than taxpayer dollars.
- Supports investment in recycling produced water and reducing reliance on groundwater.
- Expresses concern about produced water injection and its environmental effects.
- Describes himself as supportive of oil and gas while advocating improved industry practices
- States he is “source agnostic” on renewable energy and supports reliable, affordable power
- Supports increased accountability to safeguard natural resources and communities
- Supports hiring experienced inspectors and issuing fines for regulatory violations

James (Jim) Matlock is from Texas. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. 

Jim Matlock Files for Texas Railroad Commission Race — The ...

James "Jim" Matlock | BallotReady

Who's running for Texas Railroad Commission? Meet those vying to regulate the oil and gas industry

Protecting the people - Addressing orphaned idled oil wells is priority for Railroad Commission candidate 

James "Jim" Matlock is from Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Jim currently lives in Nacogdoches.

Jim has 18 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He has worked in various roles, including title work, truck supervisor, small business owner, and consultant. He also served as a member of an anti-terrorist unit of the United States Marine Corps.

Jim currently works as the executive director of Clean Act Remediation and Environmental Solutions of Texas and as an oilfield business consultant. He previously worked as a technical consultant for One Shot Solutions, a business development specialist for JM2 Financial Services, a manager for Nabors Industries and Pinnergy, and an oil and gas consultant with Matlock Group. Jim served as a security specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Jim previously ran for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2024 but did not win.

James Matlock (Texas Railroad Commission candidate) - Ballotpedia

James is running for the Texas Railroad Commission and is on the ballot in the Republican primary on March 3, 2026. Matlock previously ran for Texas Railroad Commission in 2024, but did not win. 

We endorse James Matlock in the Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commissioner. (Editorial)

Supports recycling wastewater in the oil and gas industry for future fracking jobs and promoting technology to clean water to irrigation quality, benefiting farmers and ranchers during droughts.

Supports recycling oilfield wastewater to reduce environmental risk and support agriculture.

For Candidate James (Jim) Matlock on Issue energy-and-environment: Supports the use of new technology to capture flare gas and create products without waste.

Supports capturing flared natural gas and using technology to reduce energy waste.

For Candidate James (Jim) Matlock on Issue energy-and-environment: Supports cleaning up solids waste from the oil and gas industry to meet EPA and TCEQ regulations instead of placing it in landfills, which creates environmental hazards for future generations.

Supports reducing oil field waste and increasing use of environmental technologies.

Supports addressing orphaned and abandoned wells that are aging without maintenance or oversight.

Supports addressing orphaned and abandoned wells through continued production or repurposing rather than relying solely on state-funded plugging.

Supports responsible water management to help prevent earthquakes linked to wastewater injection.

Supports protecting groundwater, aquifers, and property from environmental hazards related to oil operations.

Supports stronger oversight and inspection of oil and gas producers to ensure environmental compliance.

Supports using waste materials from the oil industry in infrastructure rather than landfills.

Expressed concern about foreign ownership of U.S. energy assets in relation to national security.

- Supports recycling oilfield wastewater to reduce environmental risk and support agriculture.
- Supports capturing flared natural gas and using technology to reduce energy waste.
- Supports reducing oil field waste and increasing use of environmental technologies.
- Supports addressing orphaned and abandoned wells through continued production or repurposing rather than relying solely on state-funded plugging.
- Supports responsible water management to help prevent earthquakes linked to wastewater injection.
- Supports protecting groundwater, aquifers, and property from environmental hazards related to oil operations.
- Supports stronger oversight and inspection of oil and gas producers to ensure environmental compliance.
- Supports using waste materials from the oil industry in infrastructure rather than landfills.
- Expressed concern about foreign ownership of U.S. energy assets in relation to national security.

James (Jim) Matlock

James "Jim" Matlock is from Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Jim currently lives in Nacogdoches, Texas

James "Jim" Matlock is from Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Matlock currently lives in Nacogdoches, Texas

James currently works as the executive director of Clean Act Remediation and Environmental Solutions of Texas and as an oilfield business consultant. He previously worked as a technical consultant for One Shot Solutions, a business development specialist for JM2 Financial Services, a manager for Nabors Industries and Pinnergy, and an oil and gas consultant with Matlock Group. Matlock served as a security specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

James Matlock currently works as the executive director of Clean Act Remediation and Environmental Solutions of Texas and as an oilfield business consultant. He previously worked as a technical consultant for One Shot Solutions, a business development specialist for JM2 Financial Services, a manager for Nabors Industries and Pinnergy, and an oil and gas consultant with Matlock Group. Matlock served as a security specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

James is an oil and gas consultant and small business owner. He works at his own consulting firm in the oil and gas industry, where he has been for eighteen years. He previously worked in oil and gas title examination, worked as a drilling truck supervisor, and served in an anti-terrorist unit of the U.S. Marine Corps.

James “Jim” Matlock previously ran for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2024 but did not win.

Buket Urgen

Jim Wright is from South Texas. He lives with his wife, Sherry, and their five children in Orange Grove. He attends Texas Cowboy Churches.

Jim Wright

Jim Wright is originally from South Texas. He lives with his wife, Sherry, and their five children in Orange Grove. He attends Texas Cowboy Churches.

Jim is an oilfield waste company executive and a fifth-generation rancher. He previously owned DeWitt Recyclable Products, LLC, an oil field services and waste management business, which he sold in 2014. He also worked as a rodeo cowboy, participating in bull riding competitions for more than two decades. 

James Wright (Texas Railroad Commission) - Ballotpedia

A Rare Recusal by Texas Oil and Gas Regulator Up for Re-election ...

Jim is an oilfield waste company executive and a rancher. He previously owned DeWitt Recyclable Products, LLC, an oil field services and waste management business, and worked as a professional rodeo cowboy.

Jim is currently a member of the Texas Railroad Commission. He was first elected in 2020. He is currently serving his first term.

Jim is currently a member of the Texas Railroad Commission. He was first elected in 2020 and is serving his first term.

Supports innovation in energy, including geothermal, carbon capture, and hydrogen, while ensuring new technologies meet high standards and are regulated to protect landowners, groundwater, and community safety.

Supports reducing federal oversight and expediting state-level permitting for energy projects like pipelines and LNG terminals.

Supports reducing federal oversight and expediting state-level permitting for energy projects like pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.

Supports plugging orphaned oil wells to prevent environmental damage.

Supports plugging abandoned oil wells, and as railroad commissioner helped to plug more than 760 wells.

Supports "responsible" oil and gas production.

Supports expanding energy infrastructure and export capacity.

Supports "cutting red tape [and] strengthening energy infrastructure."

Plans to "ensur[e] that landowners are respected and that [oil and gas] operators follow the rules."

Said that renewable energy sources "will continue to play a role in Texas’s energy mix, but never at the expense of the reliability of our electrical grid." 

As Railroad Commissioner, worked with other government agencies to ensure funding for pipeline inspections

- Supports innovation in energy, including geothermal, carbon capture, and hydrogen, while ensuring new technologies meet high standards and are regulated to protect landowners, groundwater, and community safety.
- Supports reducing federal oversight and expediting state-level permitting for energy projects like pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.
- Supports plugging abandoned oil wells, and as railroad commissioner helped to plug more than 760 wells.
- Supports "responsible" oil and gas production.
- Supports expanding energy infrastructure and export capacity.
- Supports "cutting red tape [and] strengthening energy infrastructure."
- Plans to "ensur[e] that landowners are respected and that [oil and gas] operators follow the rules."
- Said that renewable energy sources "will continue to play a role in Texas’s energy mix, but never at the expense of the reliability of our electrical grid." 
- As Railroad Commissioner, worked with other government agencies to ensure funding for pipeline inspections

Jim is an oilfield waste company executive and a fifth-generation rancher. He previously owned DeWitt Recyclable Products, LLC, an oil field services and waste management business, and worked as a professional rodeo cowboy.

- Supports innovation in energy, including geothermal, carbon capture, and hydrogen, while ensuring new technologies meet high standards and are regulated to protect landowners, groundwater, and community safety.
- Supports reducing federal oversight and expediting state-level permitting for energy projects like pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.
- Supports plugging abandoned oil wells, and as railroad commissioner helped to plug more than 760 wells.
- Supports "responsible" oil and gas production.
- Supports expanding energy infrastructure and export capacity.
- Supports "cutting red tape [and] strengthening energy infrastructure."
- Plans to "ensur[e] that landowners are respected and that [oil and gas] operators follow the rules."
- Said that renewable energy sources "will continue to play a role in Texas’s energy mix, but never at the expense of the reliability of our electrical grid." We must ensure Texas has enough reliable baseload power to meet rising demand."
- As Railroad Commissioner, worked with other government agencies to ensure funding for pipeline inspections
- As Rail Commissioner, updated and modernized commission rules.

Katherine Culbert - Ballotpedia

Katherine Culbert is originally from Herkimer, New York. She earned a bachelor's degree in paper science and engineering from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, a master's degree in business administration from the University at Albany, and a law degree from Northwestern University. Katherine lives in Houston.

Katherine is a process safety engineer. She works at an oil and gas company. She previously worked at other oil and gas companies.

Q&A: Get to know the Republican primary candidates for Texas ...

Who's Running in the Big Money Election for the Texas Railroad ...

Commission Shift

Katherine is the founder and chief executive officer of K and K Process and currently works as a senior process safety engineer for Eni, both oil and gas companies. She previously worked as a deputy director for Commission Shift, an organization that is educating Texans on the role of the Texas Railroad Commission and trying to reform it. She has also worked as a manager for various oil and gas companies.

Katherine Culbert's campaign for the Texas Railroad Commission is her first entry into politics.

Katherine previously ran for Texas railroad commissioner in 2024, but did not win.

Meet the candidates running to oversee Texas' oil and gas industry ...

For Candidate Katherine Culbert on Issue energy-and-environment: Advocates for a more proactive approach to pipeline safety by utilizing data and risk analysis to prioritize inspections and focus on higher risk facilities.

Supports a more proactive approach to pipeline safety by utilizing data and risk analysis to prioritize inspections and focus on higher risk facilities.

For Candidate Katherine Culbert on Issue energy-and-environment: Advocates for reworking the bonding program for drilling to ensure companies are financially responsible for well plugging and monitoring.

Supports reworking the bonding program for drilling to ensure companies are financially responsible for well plugging and monitoring.

Supports use of renewable energy and new technologies as population grows and demand increases.

Plans to pursue policies that prevent unnecessary rate hikes for families.

Supported Texas railroad commissioners recusing themselves from votes involving businesses they have received donations from.

- Supports a more proactive approach to pipeline safety by utilizing data and risk analysis to prioritize inspections and focus on higher risk facilities.
- Supports reworking the bonding program for drilling to ensure companies are financially responsible for well plugging and monitoring.
- Supports use of renewable energy and new technologies as population grows and demand increases.
- Plans to pursue policies that prevent unnecessary rate hikes for families.
- Supported Texas railroad commissioners recusing themselves from votes involving businesses they have received donations from.

Instagram

Katherine Culbert

Katherine previously ran for Texas Railroad commissioner in 2024, but did not win.

- Supports a more proactive approach to pipeline safety by utilizing data and risk analysis to prioritize inspections and focus on higher risk facilities.
- Supports reworking the bonding program for drilling to ensure companies are financially responsible for well plugging and monitoring.
- Supports use of renewable energy and new technologies as population grows and demand increases.
- Plans to pursue policies that prevent unnecessary rate hikes for families.
- Supported Texas Railroad commissioners recusing themselves from votes involving businesses they have received donations from.

- The railroad commissioner is one of three members of the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and natural gas industry, pipeline transporters, liquified petroleum gas, coal and uranium mining, and oversees clean drinking water. Despite its name, the commission no longer regulates railroads.
- Railroad commissioners are elected in statewide partisan elections for six-year, staggered terms, with one seat up for election every two years. The commissioners elect the chairman, and the Governor appoints replacements if a vacancy arises.

One of three commissioners who oversee the oil and gas industry, coal and uranium mining, and clean drinking water. 

Texas

This sample ballot may not include all local party roles or measures on the official ballot. The listed candidates serve only within their party, and the propositions do not change the law.

Texas Railroad Commissioner, Republican Primary

Election results

Runoff election

Candidates (5)

Compare candidates

Energy & the Environment