He touts his experience in the oil patch and has attacked the Railroad Commission for failing to act quickly to ensure that natural gas pipelines and compressors are able to withstand cold weather. Texas Commissioner Of The General Land Office, Texas Commissioner Of Agriculture Race 2022, Judicial And Education Candidates Not Listed (Check Ballot Info), Texas Federal and Statewide Candidates 2022. I have concern for my grandkids, I believe the good Lord has given us oil gas, and coal as the greatest resource and made Texas the number one supplier of that in history. In Railroad Commission runoff, GOP candidates court North Texas voters who want them to change agency's confusing name Incumbent Wayne Christian and oil and gas lawyer Sarah Stogner. Early voting lasts from Monday through Feb. 25, and election day is March 1. v. t. e. The 2022 Rhode Island Attorney General election took place on November 8, 2022, to elect the Attorney General of Rhode Island. Stogners seminude stunt is only the latest twist in what has become the strangest Republican primary campaign for Railroad Commission in decades. I started doing a little digging and was like, wow, this is great, she told the outlet. He and Abbott will go head to head in November. They might know about it now because of Sarah Stogner, said Tom Slocum Jr., a 38-year-old engineering consultant from the Houston area who is one of the four surviving candidates in the Republican primary. Texas Election Results: GOP candidates keep . We cant [produce oil and gas] at the cost of our groundwater, Stogner said. Texas Statewide Candidates 2022. Christian: I believe Texans should elect me again because Im willing to fight. Source: Election results and race calls from The Associated Press. Texans will choose between four candidates: Republican incumbent Wayne Christian, Democratic nominee Luke Warford and two third-party candidates Libertarian Jaime Andres Diez and Hunter Wayne Crow of the Green Party. They still view themselves as the managers of the Texas economy, he says. Race called by The Associated Press. A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50 th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016.. We expect candidates for public office to model civil discourse and decorum worthy of the publics trust. The Railroad Commission regulates oil and gas operations in the State of Texas. Stogner released the five-second video on Super Bowl Sunday in a tweet with the caption: They said I needed money. Texas Railroad Commissioner Qualifications: What training, experience and background qualify you for this position? By 8:30 p.m., it became clear that he was the Democratic nominee for the 35th Congressional District, all but ensuring a win in the general election. It was a Hail Mary to energize her campaign. Railroad Commission candidates offer opposing visions of what will make oil and gas industry 'healthy' | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station Were for the good stuff!. In 1987, after gaining valuable experience in business, banking and real estate, Wayne Christian opened a financial services businesshe is a three time AIG top advisor nationwide. Your gift helps pay for everything you find ontexasstandard.organdKUT.org. Voters will decide the GOP nominee for a commission seat in a May 24 runoff election. Multiple candidates are presently running in the March 1, 2022 Republican Primary to be the next Railroad Commissioner of Texas. Were angry that I got half-naked on a pumpjack? The issues that are at stake in the Texas Railroad Commission are so important to Texans, are so important to the future of our state. Top Three Internal Priorities: 1) Continue to modernize agency to increase efficiencies, speed up permitting, and decrease. Christian: The Railroad Commission does not regulate electricity, but the best way to ensure reliable energy is to build out more natural gas generation facilities. But fuck it, this will be fun., In February, the video turned into a now-viral campaign ad for the 37-year-old oil and gas attorney from Monahans, who is running for a seat on the Railroad Commission of Texas, the regulatory agency in charge of the states massive oil and gas sector. I want to talk about winterizing our infrastructure pipelines. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. When someone asked whether she supported shutting down the Keystone XL pipeline project a partially built series of pipelines between Canada and the U.S. that President Joe Biden canceled on his first day in office she said Absolutely not and explained that the Railroad Commission doesnt have jurisdiction over interstate pipelines like Keystone. The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) is the state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry, pipeline transporters, natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline industry, natural gas utilities, the LP-gas industry, and coal and uranium surface mining operations. Hommel, who won election earlier this year to chair the Lamar County Republicans, said the event helped the crowd learn more about the candidates and the agency that many Texans dont really understand. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. But today, with two-thirds of the Hidalgo vote in, Mr. ORourke was at 81 percent, suggesting he would do far better in the primary for governor than he did for Senate. Inside the Bro-tastic Party Mansions Upending a Historic Austin Community. The RRC also has oversight over Texas energy industries and enforces related state and federal laws. Feb. 23, 202212 PM Central. Theres a good chance this race is going to a runoff, and, as Cisneros feared, the other progressive in the race, Tannya Benavides, is playing the spoiler, with nearly 5 percent of the vote. Stogner homed in on Christians lack of oil and gas experience compared to her decade as an oil and gas lawyer and what she sees as Christians desire to do whatever the oil and gas industry wants. He added, My opponents are mudslinging out of desperation because I am the only candidate in this race with the endorsements, campaign infrastructure, and resources necessary to win this race.. Its how voters feel about that statement, as much as issues of the blackout and global warming, that may decide the race for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. We have jurisdiction over intrastate pipelines [that are completely within state borders], which is why you should ask why people died in the freeze, Stogner said. What are we angry about? Those issues include: the Texas blackout last year (caused in large part by problems along the natural gas supply chain that the commission regulates); the role big industry donations play in Railroad Commission policy decisions; the current high price of natural gas; and the routine practice of gas flaring in the Texas oil fields, which wastes gas and pollutes the environment. 100% of Precincts Reporting. MENU. My overall mission is to ensure that Texans have access to cheap, plentiful, and reliable energy., Warford: My background is in mostly the private sector in energy policy and energy consulting. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The publicity stunts and mudslinging are a sign of desperation. Another candidate, Dawayne Tipton, who is endorsed by all three of the states largest papers, said he doesnt fault Stogner. Editors note: This story contains explicit language. Disclosure: The University of Houston 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. Two candidates will be on the ballot in the May runoff, current Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian and oil & gas attorney Sarah Stogner. He was elected statewide as the 12th Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 2014 and re-elected to his second term in office in 2018; followed by a third term in 2022, receiving almost 4.5 million votes--more votes than any candidate for Texas Agricultural Commissioner has ever received. Incumbent mayor Steve Adler was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Take the political quiz to see which Railroad Commissioner candidates match your politicalbeliefs. I didnt realize it would incite the rage and anger that it did from the press, she told the Chronicle. When he ran for the Senate four years ago, Democrat Beto ORourke won just 61 percent in the primary. Teen arrested regarding fentanyl overdose death, The story of 12 students who integrated ATX schools, How to get to Q2 Stadium for 2023 Austin FC season, PHOTOS: Some of Austins most modern homes, Cities offer free tree, brush disposals post-storm, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Comments. But its not so important that we can contaminate our air, contaminate our groundwater.. Suggest a missing candidate here. The commission and how theyre enforcing the rules or not enforcing the rules is distorting the market. AUSTIN High atop a West Texas pumpjack, Republican Railroad Commission candidate Sarah Stogner nearly bared it all in a recent social media post that is bringing . But the catchphrase has struck many others as insensitive or anti-Semitic, a critique that came up in 2014 when Christian faced a primary opponent who was Jewish. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. In Hidalgo County, on the border with Mexico, he won just 50 percent. Get Involved George P. Bush appears to be opening up a lead over Eva Guzman in the attorney generals race. Stogner, who isnt accepting campaign contributions, cheekily wrote on the post, They said I needed money I have other assets. In an interview with Texas Monthly, and on LinkedIn, Stogner defended her video. Texas Lege Watch: A House Republican Fights for Chicken Freedom, Inside the Karaoke Bar Where Texas Lawmakers Serenade Each Other. Congress seems like an inevitable reality, he told supporters. Two is decreasing our utility prices because Texas is the energy capital of the world. Texas comptroller is up for grabs in the 2022 midterm, along with commissioners of land and agriculture, and a seat on the Railroad Commission. Rochelle Garza has 44% of the vote, Joe Jaworski has 20%, Lee Merritt is at 19%, Mike Fields 12% and T-Bone Raynor 5%. Nothing illegal or immoral, he added, before listing all of his industry endorsements. Umm, its tough, Hommel said. Against independent and government findings, he says commission regulators and industry did not mess up during the blackout. Well, heres my Grammy Award-winning video, Wayne.. I have followed and continue to abide by all Texas Ethics Commission rules regarding when I can accept contributions and have in full transparency reported every contribution I have received. Christi Craddick, James Wright and Wayne Christian. What is the least-visited state park in Texas? None of that is necessarily illegal, but Houston Chronicle columnist Chris Tomlinson didnt mince words when he wrote this week that Christian demonstrated what at best is a profound disregard for ethics, and at worst, engaged in public corruption. Christian told Texas Monthly via email that the Railroad Commissions general counsel advised him to approve the permit as long as the facility used a modern clay liner, which it did. Whats Up With All the Kangaroos on the Loose in Texas? Q for Warford: What is your response to criticism from your opponent, who is describing you as a left-wing extremist? *Incumbent. Greg Abbott, both facing challenges from the right, said parents who helped children get treatments could be pursued for child abuse. Everyday your story is being told by someone. Incumbent Wayne Christian and oil and gas lawyer Sarah Stogner pitched voters in Paris, Texas, ahead of the May 24 election. Zapata flipped to Donald Trump in 2020. In Texas, voters will elect officials for seven statewide seats governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, comptroller and one of three seats on the Railroad Commission. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. Despite its name, the Railroad Commission has not regulated railroads since 2005. Q: What would be your top priorities in another term as railroad commissioner? Devan Markham. Christian is a former gospel singer turned financial adviser turned longtime Texas politician. The things Im talking about are keeping the lights on, lowering utility prices, creating energy jobs, protecting our clean air, making sure people have clean air and clean water, he says. The Railroad Commission regulates that infrastructure. One Commissioner position is on the ballot every two years. When he finished, Rice-Tims, Hommel and the audience started asking questions starting with the name thing. The filing deadline is now past, and eight Republicans, three Democrats and a Libertarian have said they will run for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission to replace David Porter, who unexpectedly decided not to run for re-election. Despite the misleading name, theRailroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is the primary state agency responsible for regulating Texas oil and gas industry. (Christian did not respond to KUTs request for an interview.). Updated Mar. v. t. e. The 2022 Florida Chief Financial Officer election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the Chief Financial Officer of Florida. Stogner, who posted the steamy video on Super Bowl Sunday, said it was shot in November by a documentary crew she hired for her campaign against incumbent Wayne Christian, the Houston Chronicle reported. Tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin on Sept. 22-24. A Federal Judge in Amarillo Could Effectively Ban the Abortion Pill. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in International Trade and Finance from Louisiana State University, followed by a Juris Doctorate from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Odessa Headlines does not endorse or support any candidate for elected office. The incident (in which Christian denied any wrongdoing) was emblematic of a state agency whose elected commissioners are overwhelmingly funded by the industry they regulate, a practice recently documented in a series of reports from the watchdog group Commission Shift. Five candidates are presently running in the March 1, 2022 Republican Primary to be the next Railroad Commissioner of Texas. (Section 172.022, Texas Election Code). AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) - With some well-known state officials, such as State Senator Kel Seliger, not seeking re-election in 2022 and filing open for primary election candidates, the bal Cars Spun Doughnuts in Austin, And Greg Abbott Got Furious, Fast. Another candidate, Marvin Sarge Summers, died earlier this month on the campaign trail after crashing into a tanker truck in Midland. Interviews are granted to candidates who visit Odessa and submit a request to be interviewed. In 2002, Stogner graduated from Huntsville High School in Alabama. Vote 2022 Texas; . This vitally important election of one of the states top energy regulators will have a significant impact on whether Texass natural gas infrastructure freezes up again and contributes to widespread blackouts, as it did a year ago. The Democrat has a background working in energy consulting and policy. I am the only candidate with the endorsements, campaign infrastructure, and resources necessary to win this race.. Do you value our journalism? Fire Ants Have Unleashed Chaos in Texas for Decades. Its free. Its not something that I would personally do or undertake, he told the Chronicle. A video posted by the candidate to social media shows Stogner sitting topless atop an oil pump jack before her logo appears across the screen. One November evening in far West Texas, Sarah Stogner decided to strip down to pasties and her underwear, plus boots and a cowboy hat, and climb onto an oil pumpjack while a small film crew watched. The Chairman is chosen by the Commissioners. by Mitchell Ferman Updated: 7:36 AM CST February 16, 2022 TEXAS, USA A candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission is facing backlash for a campaign video showing the Republican wearing pasties atop an. This statement raises questions about what constitutes civil discourse in todays political landscape and whether such standards are applied equally to candidates. We review social media, and Stogner would never have been our pick had the video appeared before we made our recommendation, the paper said in an editorial. Im running because Wayne Christian, my opponent, is a career politician who takes 99% of his campaign contributions from the industry hes supposed to regulate. Neither Christian nor a second GOP challenger, Tom Slocum, has responded to requests for comment by the Chronicle. Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha won re-election to a second term. But what weve got is a map with no transparency with the commission. I want to talk about groundwater. Why Does He Get to Make That Call? Targeting transgender people to rally conservatives is a Texas tradition since a 2015 bathroom bill in Houston. Christian, a 71-year-old Grammy-nominated former gospel singer and financial planner who is seeking his second six-year term, is trying to fend off challenges from Slocum, Stogner and Dawayne Tipton, a former oil field roughneck who has worked various oil sector jobs including offshore drilling. There are still a lot of votes out in rural counties, where Donald Trump performed well in 2020, but it's also worth noting that Senator Bernie Sanders did well in those counties during the Democratic presidential primary. Numbers for state candidates cover their last filed report through 10/29/2022. Its daily. This year, he says, his party has a chance. The winner will square off in the fall against Democrat Luke Warford, an Austin energy consultant and former strategist with the Texas Democratic Party, who faces no primary opposition. Stogner said after being told to sit down, be quiet, you silly little girl her whole life, she went on to start her own law firm and learn to fly planes.