With 99% of polling locations across Texas reporting results, Republican Christi Craddick has secured a third term on the Railroad Commission of Texas. Craddick led by nearly 2 million votes in a four-way race.
Craddick won with 55.71% of the vote, according to unofficial results. Democrat Katherine Culbert, an oil and gas process safety engineer, received 38.91% of the vote. Green Party candidate Eddie Espinoza, a retired teacher and activist, had 2.75% of the vote, while Libertarian Hawk Dunlap, a well control specialist, collected 2.6% of the vote.
Railroad commissioners regulate Texas' oil and gas industry, while the state's railroads are under the control of the Texas Department of Transportation and the federal government.
"If you want to win in Texas, you've got to be pro-oil and gas, and not for environmental easements and things that might stop oil and gas," said Andy Hogue, communications director for the Travis County Republican Party.
According to unofficial results, Republican Christi Craddick will serve another six years on the Railroad Commission of Texas after handily defeating three challengers. Craddick was first elected in 2012 and serves as chair of the commission, which regulates Texas' oil and gas industry.
The details
With 247 of Texas' 254 counties and 3,603 of 5,807 polling locations reporting results, Craddick secured 56.49% of the vote, or 5,659,916 votes.
Democrat Katherine Culbert trailed with 38.41% of the vote, or 3,848,669 votes. Green Party candidate Eddie Espinoza received 2.56% of the vote, or 256,948 votes, while Libertarian Hawk Dunlap had 2.52% of the vote, or 252,351 votes.
"Tonight, Texans reaffirmed their commitment to a sound, prosperous business climate that enables Texas energy to grow even as we enforce sensible regulations to protect our precious natural resources," Craddick said in a social media post. "My gratitude goes out to everyone who supported me, along with my assurances that I will continue to utilize my experience and judgement to stand up for Texas' jobs, Texas' prosperity and Texas' security."
Did you know?
The three-member railroad commission is Texas' oldest regulatory agency. Commissioners oversee Texas' oil and gas industry, coal and uranium surface mining, natural gas utilities, and more. The state's railroads are governed by the Texas Department of Transportation.
All results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide/election-results to see results from all state and local elections in your community.
Updated 9:40 p.m. Nov. 5
With 197 of Texas' 254 counties and 1,279 of 5,810 polling locations reporting results, Republican incumbent Christi Craddick is leading the race for Texas Railroad commissioner with 58.14% of the vote.
Democrat Katherine Culbert has 37.58% of the vote, Libertarian Hawk Dunlap has 2.27% of the vote, and Green Party candidate Eddie Espinoza has 1.99% of the vote.
Posted 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5
According to unofficial early results, Republican incumbent Christi Craddick is leading the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner with 79.8% of the vote.
What’s happening?
Craddick, who chairs the commission, is being challenged by Democrat Katherine Culbert, an oil and gas process safety engineer; Libertarian Hawk Dunlap, a well control specialist; and Green Party candidate Eddie Espinoza, a retired teacher and activist.
Culbert has 16.75% of the vote, while Dunlap has 2.38% of the vote. Espinoza trails with 1.06% of the vote.
More details
Railroad commissioners are elected to staggered six-year terms. Three commissioners serve at a time, and all three seats are currently held by Republicans.
Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas does not actually oversee railroads, which are regulated by the Texas Department of Transportation and the federal government. Instead, the commission regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry.
Stay tuned
This article will be updated as more voting totals are released. All results are unofficial until canvassed.
Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide/election-results to see results from all local elections in your community.
