James Wright

James Wright's career experience includes owning a business in oil field services and waste management.[1] Wright has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, the board of the Court Appointed Special Advocate of the Coastal Bend, and the Robstown Area Development Commission.[2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

At age 19, I took my first job in the energy sector, where I was digging ditches, hauling pipe, and learning the industry from the ground up. Through hard work and determination, I built a group of successful environmental services companies that supported oil and gas operations across the state. My hands-on experience gives me a deep understanding of what the industry needs from its regulators as well as what Texans expect from their government.

I first ran for Railroad Commissioner because I saw a need for honest, practical, and pro-energy leadership. Since taking office in 2021, I have brought a focus on commonsense regulation, environmental responsibility, and forward-thinking energy solutions.

I have been a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, and I currently reside in Orange Grove with my wife, Sherry. Together, we have raised five children and remain active in our local church and community. I am a former bull rider and rodeo cowboy, and through that, I bring grit, resilience, and a love of Texas to everything I do.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am not a career politician and am instead focused on what matters most—strong oil and gas production, fair and consistent regulation, and protecting the land, water, and people of Texas. I believe the path to energy security runs through Texas. That’s why I am pushing back on unnecessary federal delays and working to speed up permitting at the state level. With a pro-energy administration in Washington, the opportunity is now. I am making sure Texas doesn’t just lead in production—but also leads in moving energy to where it’s needed most. The oil and gas sector makes up ⅓ of the Texas economy, and it is essential that we keep Texas energy both powerful and independent.Texas is the energy capital of the world—and that includes emerging technologies. Whether it’s geothermal, carbon capture, or hydrogen, I support innovation that builds on the strengths of our workforce and infrastructure. But I also believe new tech should meet the same high standards as traditional energy. That’s why I am leading efforts to develop responsible regulations that protect landowners, groundwater, and community safety while encouraging investment and long-term opportunity. Texas energy production is a cornerstone of our state’s economy and is responsible for 43% of U.S. oil production, 29% of U.S. Natural gas production, and is home to 1/3 of US refining capacity. Without Texas, U.S. energy independence would be a pipe dream.As a fifth-generation Texas rancher, I know firsthand the importance of protecting private property. I have brought that mindset to my role as Commissioner—ensuring that landowners are respected and that operators follow the rules. This also applies to orphan wells, where I have made it a priority to address those left behind by non-compliant operators. We have plugged more than 760 wells during my tenure, and we will not stop there. Whether it’s overseeing remediation, settling disputes, or enforcing standards, I am working every day to make sure Texans are treated fairly because protecting our land and groundwater isn’t negotiable.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am interested in any area of public policy that has to do with energy production and oil and gas in the state of Texas. My focus right now is squarely on supporting strong and responsible production, streamlining permits, cutting red tape, plugging orphan wells, and building out our energy infrastructure, to name a few. As a regulatory agency, the Railroad Commission's job is to enforce and enact the legislation passed by the Texas Legislature. The important thing is that we keep the focus squarely on oil and gas regulation so that we can make Texas energy stronger and more independent than ever before. It is Texas energy that powers American freedom, and we must keep it that way.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Some of the great endorsements we have received thus far include Governor Greg Abbott, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Congressman Craig Goldman, Congressman Jake Ellzey, TXOGA, The Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND, Texas Alliance for Life, and Grassroots America. A full list of all the great conservative leaders and organizations can be found on my website.

James Wright did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.