Texas Voters to Elect Railroad Commissioner November 3
The upcoming election will fill one seat on the board responsible for regulating the state oil and gas industry.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should Texas energy regulators prioritize lowering your monthly utility bills over investing in grid infrastructure reliability?
On November 3, 2026, Texas voters will head to the polls to elect a member to the Texas Railroad Commission. The commission oversees crucial state energy infrastructure, including oil and natural gas production, pipelines, and gas utility rates.
Why it matters
The Railroad Commission plays a central role in managing the state energy sector, ensuring the reliability of natural gas supplies to the power grid, and setting utility rates for consumers. Its decisions directly influence both energy production and the cost of utilities across the state.
The agency is governed by 3 commissioners who serve staggered 6-year terms. While its name suggests a focus on transportation, the commission has not overseen railroads since those duties were transferred to other agencies in 2005.
The players
Bo French
He is the Republican candidate running for the open seat on the commission and previously maintained a political base in Tarrant County.
Jon Rosenthal
He is the Democratic candidate seeking to win the open position on the three-member commission board.
Arthur DiBianca
He is the Libertarian candidate competing in the election for the railroad commission seat.
The details
The commission manages oil and natural gas production, surface mining, and the liquefied petroleum-gas industry. It also holds the authority to permit wells and mandate natural gas facility preparations to prevent energy shortages affecting the state grid.
Timeline
Railroad regulatory duties were transferred to other agencies in 2005.
Early voting for the election occurs from October 19 to October 30, 2026.
The election for one commission seat takes place on November 3, 2026.
Market Landscape
The commission operates under a name that reflects its history rather than its current mandate, which has shifted entirely to energy since the 2005 transfer of railroad regulatory duties. This evolution places the agency as a central authority over modern utility markets.
The commissioner elected to this seat will hold influence over the gas utility rates paid by households and businesses throughout Texas. Voters can check their registration status or find local polling locations through official state portals.
The takeaway
The Texas Railroad Commission is a primary regulator for oil and gas infrastructure rather than railroads. Citizens are encouraged to review the candidates' positions on utility rates and grid reliability ahead of the November 3 election.
Further reading
Learn more about the state energy sector at the Texas Utilities page.
More information
For official voter registration and polling information, visit Texas voter registration and polling information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
Live Poll
Should Texas energy regulators prioritize lowering your monthly utility bills over investing in grid infrastructure reliability?
