Bo French, a far-right activist whose rhetoric alienated Texas business and political leaders, won the Republican runoff for a spot on the state’s influential oil and gas regulatory commission, The Associated Press said Wednesday.
The surprising outcome lifted state Democrats’ hopes for winning the seat in November’s general election.
Mr. French beat Jim Wright, the commission’s chairman, who said Mr. French’s online comments against Muslims and immigrants had nothing to do with the office they sought.
Mr. Wright was backed by the governor, lieutenant governor and the biggest names in the oil and gas industry, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron. But that support could not silence Mr. French’s message, which was amplified by far-right influencers like Steve Bannon, a former close aide to President Trump. The message portrayed Mr. Wright as a secret liberal who would overregulate the oil and gas industry.
Just three people are elected to serve staggered six-year terms on the Texas Railroad Commission, the state body that regulates oil, gas, pipelines and mining. Its niche focus and outdated name, a holdover from when it oversaw rail transport, means elections to the commission are largely ignored outside of the state.
The commission’s job, however, is vital, especially during times of global conflict. Texas produces more than 40 percent of the country’s crude oil.
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