AUSTIN, TX - Today, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian formally announced the launch of his campaign for re-election.
"Over the course of my first term, I have seen Texas lead America closer to energy independence than we have been in over fifty years," said Christian. "Unfortunately, COVID-19 and the election of President Biden have shown us the fragility of that independence and the importance of having principled conservative leaders overseeing our energy policy. It is with this in mind, that I have decided to run for a second term."
Christian serves as our 50th Railroad Commissioner. During his tenure as chairman, he led the agency through one of the most tumultuous times in Commission history as oil prices reached record-lows due to the demand destruction associated with COVID-19 and a Saudi-Russian feud. Rather than advocating for government mandated production caps (proration), Christian stood strong for free markets and was the steady hand that restored regulatory certainty to the agency and oil and gas industry.
Christian has been a vocal advocate for energy independence and against picking winners and losers in the marketplace through subsidies and frivolous regulations. As Governor Greg Abbott's appointee to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, Christian has been on the frontlines fighting against federal overreach.
Christian announces his bid for re-election with the support of his two colleagues on the Commission, Chairman Christi Craddick and Commissioner Jim Wright.
"Wayne has proven himself to be a principled conservative leader over the years, and this agency needs his continued service to Texas in order to maintain our energy dominance and security," said Chairman Craddick. "I have enjoyed working with Wayne on a variety of issues and I am pleased to endorse my friend and colleague so that we can continue to work together in the future."
"Wayne has been a tireless advocate for energy independence, grid reliability, and keeping energy costs low for consumers," said Commissioner Wright. "I am proud to endorse him for re-election."
Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives. Professionally, he spent time in the business, banking, and real estate sectors before making the transition to self-employment as the owner of Wayne Christian Financial. In the late 70's, Christian made a name for himself when his gospel-country band, The Mercy River Boys, were nominated for a Grammy Award.
Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters and five grandchildren. The Christians are members of the First Baptist Church in Center, where he has served as a member of the Texas Baptist Men’s Laity Board and as a board member of the Shelby County Senior Citizen Corporation of Texas. You can learn more at ChristianForTexas.com.
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