Christian joins Railroad Commissioner race

Former state Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, has made it official – he’s running for Texas Railroad Commissioner.

Christian, a seven-term member of the Texas House, was defeated in the 2012 Republican primary by Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, GM of KMHT Marshall and a member of the TAB board of directors.

“Over the past few years the Federal Government has waged a war on oil and gas development,” said Christian.

“Nowhere is that more apparent than in Texas. We’re blessed as a state with immense resources, and are fortunate to maintain a good business climate thanks to low taxation and appropriate regulation. If the Obama Administration has their way, however, Texas energy development will be suffocated by a wave of new regulations and bureaucratic red tape.”

Christian said Texas needs “an experienced conservative fighter to protect our energy sector jobs, advocate for energy independence, and stand up to the Federal Government’s overreaching EPA.”

Current Railroad Commission Barry Smitherman is leaving the job to for Texas Attorney General. 

Other Republicans who have announced candidacies for the RRC post include:

Ray Keller, a former Republican member of the Texas House, who recently retired from a career in public safety sales; current state Rep. Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, a Harvard-educated lawyer now serving her second term in the Texas House; and Dallas businessman Malachi Boyuls.

Political watchers in Austin say another potential candidate is geologist Becky Berger of Schulenburg.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.