EDF Action celebrates historic victory in Texas governor, Railroad Commission elections

AUSTIN – EDF Action congratulates Gina Hinojosa and Jon Rosenthal on their historic election as Texas Governor and Railroad Commissioner, respectively. Hinojosa’s victory marks a new chapter for the state and an opportunity to lower energy costs, invest in disaster response and prevention, give communities sensible safeguards for data center development, and balance economic development with protecting our natural resources.

“Last night, voters made clear that they expect their governor to put the health, safety, and well-being of Texas families first,” said Colin Leyden, Texas State Director for EDF Action. “Governor-elect Hinojosa has an opportunity to chart a new course, and we look forward to working with her administration to strengthen community protections, safeguard our natural resources, and deliver results for Texans.”

Rosenthal brings real industry experience to the Railroad Commission, having worked for 25 years as an oil and gas engineer prior to seeking elected office.

“Texans need serious leadership to build a Railroad Commission that works for the people. That’s what they voted for last night in Jon Rosenthal. Jon knows what it takes to lower energy costs, protect landowners, and rein in the bad actors who put responsible operators at a competitive disadvantage,” said Leyden.

Rosenthal defeats Bo French, a financier with a long history of political extremism, prompting even those in his own party to condemn him. Even TXOGA, the state’s top trade association for the oil and gas industry, appeared to quietly pull its support after French made a derogatory post about South Asian students at a UT Football game.

In contrast, Jon Rosenthal is a former oil and gas engineer who actually understands the industry he will soon be tasked with regulating. His agenda includes improving weatherization, modernizing leak detection and repair technology, and turbo-charging orphan well plugging and financial assurance requirements to protect landowners and taxpayers alike. Read more about his vision on his website.