Texas Energy.
Texas Values.
Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright is a fifth-generation rancher, oilfield entrepreneur, and proven conservative. He’s fighting every day to defend Texas jobs, cut red tape, and keep American energy strong.
Who is Jim Wright?
Jim Wright is a fifth-generation South Texas rancher, a lifelong conservative, and a proven advocate for Texas energy. From the oil patch to the Capitol, he’s spent his career working in and fighting for the industry that powers our state.
At age 19, Jim took his first job in the energy sector—digging ditches, hauling pipe, and learning the industry from the ground up. Through hard work and determination, he built a group of successful environmental services companies that support oil and gas operations across the state. His hands-on experience gives him a deep understanding of what the industry needs from its regulators—and what Texans expect from their government.
Jim ran for Railroad Commissioner because he saw a need for honest, practical, and pro-energy leadership. Since taking office in 2021, he’s brought a focus on commonsense regulation, environmental responsibility, and forward-thinking energy solutions.
Jim believes the Railroad Commission plays a critical role in protecting public safety, stewarding natural resources, and supporting Texas jobs. Whether it’s plugging orphan wells, streamlining the permitting process, or advancing new technologies like geothermal and hydrogen, he’s committed to doing the job the right way—for workers, for landowners, and for the next generation.
Jim lives in Orange Grove with his wife Sherry. Together, they’ve raised five children and remain active in their local church and community. A former bull rider and rodeo cowboy, Jim brings grit, resilience, and a love of Texas to everything he does.
What is the Texas Railroad Commission?
Despite the name, the Railroad Commission of Texas doesn’t regulate trains, it regulates energy and natural resources. Created in 1891, it’s the state’s oldest regulatory agency and one of the most important. The Commission oversees oil and natural gas production, intrastate pipelines, surface mining of coal and lignite, propane, natural gas utilities, and new technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen and geothermal.
It’s where the future of Texas energy is being shaped, and where the strength of the Texas economy begins.
Commissioner Jim Wright and his fellow Commissioners are tasked with keeping the energy flowing, keeping the land safe, and keeping Texas at the forefront of American energy. That means upholding high environmental and safety standards, while making sure regulations don’t stand in the way of innovation and job creation.
This balanced, common-sense approach is why Texas leads the nation:
- 2 billion barrels of oil produced in 2024
- 12.62 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the same year
- Nearly 500,000 Texans working in oil and gas
- Over $27 billion contributed to the state budget through taxes and royalties
- Revenues that fund public schools, roads, healthcare, and emergency response
With decades of experience in the oilfield and business world, Commissioner Wright brings a hands-on, practical perspective to regulation. He knows how policies affect real people, not just on paper, but in the field. That’s why he’s focused on:
- Supporting responsible production
- Streamlining permits and cutting red tape
- Plugging orphaned wells and protecting landowners
- Building out energy infrastructure and export capacity
- Embracing emerging technologies, the right way
Jim Wright is making sure the Railroad Commission stays focused on doing what it was always meant to do: keep Texas energy strong, safe, and independent.
Priorities
Commissioner Jim Wright is focused on what matters—strong oil and gas production, fair and consistent regulation, and protecting the land, water, and people of Texas. At the Railroad Commission, he’s delivering real results by cutting red tape, strengthening energy infrastructure, and making sure Texas leads the way—today and for generations to come.
From pipelines to LNG terminals, Jim Wright believes the path to energy security runs through Texas. That’s why he’s 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. Commissioner Wright is making sure Texas doesn’t just lead in production—but leads in moving energy to where it’s needed most.
Commissioner Wright has made it a priority to address orphaned wells left behind by non-compliant operators. Under his leadership, the Commission plugged more than 760 wells using federal funds with full accountability and no issues flagged in a recent federal audit. He’s also fighting to cut through the new red tape that is slowing down this important work and pushing for a more efficient, streamlined system—because protecting our land and groundwater isn’t negotiable.
Texas is the energy capital of the world—and that includes emerging technologies. Whether it’s geothermal, carbon capture, or hydrogen, Commissioner Wright supports innovation that builds on the strengths of our workforce and infrastructure. But he also believes new tech should meet the same high standards as traditional energy. That’s why he’s leading efforts to develop responsible regulations that protect landowners, groundwater, and community safety while encouraging investment and long-term opportunity.
As a fifth-generation Texas rancher, Jim Wright knows firsthand the importance of protecting private property. He brings that mindset to his role as Commissioner—ensuring that landowners are respected and that operators follow the rules. Whether it’s overseeing remediation, settling disputes, or enforcing standards, he’s working every day to make sure Texans are treated fairly.
For too long, Washington stood in the way of American energy. Under President Trump, we finally have a federal partner that understands the value of oil and gas—and Jim Wright is making the most of it. He’s using this moment to expand production, streamline permitting, and ensure Texas policies lead the way. But he’s also keeping a close watch. If the next administration tries to clamp down on Texas energy again, he’ll be ready to fight back.
Get Involved
Jim Wright is fighting every day to protect Texas energy, grow our economy, and defend conservative values. If you’re ready to help re-elect a Railroad Commissioner who gets results, we’d love to have you on the team.
Whether you want to put out a yard sign, volunteer your time, or simply stay informed, there’s a place for you in this campaign.
Donate
Jim Wright is leading the fight to keep Texas energy strong, grow our economy, and push back on federal overreach. But he can’t do it alone.
Every dollar you give helps us reach more voters, defend conservative values, and keep a proven leader at the Railroad Commission. This campaign doesn’t rely on out-of-state interests—we rely on Texans like you.