AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a late campaign push to help railroad commissioner Jim Wright fend off Bo French in one of Texas Republicans’ most closely watched runoffs.
Wright, seeking reelection to the agency that regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, appeared with Abbott at a campaign event Wednesday in San Antonio, a day after joining the governor at another stop in the Houston area.
Abbott slammed French, saying he “doesn’t know anything about oil and gas,” while praising Wright’s work on the commission.
“With Jim Wright’s leadership, Texas will remain number one in oil and gas production,” Abbott said. “It is essential for Texas to remain the economic powerhouse that we are, and we need proven leadership like Jim Wright.”
French, former chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party, did not respond to a text message or phone call seeking comment on Abbott’s comments.
French’s campaign has rarely touched on oil and gas regulation in his campaign. Instead, he has drawn scrutiny for anti-Muslim comments, antisemitic and other inflammatory comments.
Aside from Abbott’s support, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have endorsed Wright.
French, meanwhile, has been endorsed by hard-line conservative members of the Texas House. His campaign has received major backing from groups funded by West Texas billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks.
Early voting voting ends Friday. The Republican runoff winner will face Democratic nominee Jon Rosenthal, a state representative from Houston.