The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Photo via campaign
Name: Christi Craddick
Office Sought: Railroad Commissioner
Party Affiliation: Republican
Age: 53
Educational Background:
Bachelor's Degree as a Plan II graduate and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas at Austin.
Occupation: Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission
If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own.
Not Applicable
Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, religious, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
Junior League of Austin, Helping Hand Society in Austin, Dell Children's Medical Center Foundation, Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center Executive Committee Member, Texas Ex-Students' Association, Austin Republican Women, Texas Federation of Republican Women Patron, Recipient of the TFRW Kay Bailey Hutchison Leadership Award in 2023, State Bar of Texas, Travis County Bar Association, University of Texas Liberal Arts Alumni Advisory Council
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
Currently Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission. Have been a commissioner for 12 years.
If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
https://christicraddick.com/
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2024?
Texas needs experienced leadership in what is one of the most critical statewide offices. The Railroad Commission has regulatory oversight of an industry that is essential to the state's prosperity and the nation's security. I've helped foster innovation and advance Texas' position globally. Today approximately 35% of the state budget is from oil and gas taxes helping pay for schools, roads, first responders, border security and other essential services.
It is more crucial than ever that we stand strong against those who seek to destroy Texas jobs and America's energy independence. Left unchallenged, they would jeopardize our national security and our freedoms by making us more dependent on foreign powers.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
Safeguarding Texans' sacred private property rights to ensure that our energy exploration and production are conducted responsibly, respecting both our land and the rights of its owners.
Supporting sensible, science-based regulation that fosters innovation and growth in the energy sector.
Continuing the battle against federal overreach and the radical left's policies that threaten to take away our freedoms, energy independence and economic prosperity.
What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
The radical left have doubled down on their efforts to destroy Texas energy and economic prosperity and they show no signs of stopping. It can't be overstated how vital it is we have someone with experience and a proven track record of fighting unnecessary federal overreach. I have proudly stood at the forefront of Texas' successful efforts to fight Washington's overreach and defend freedom and I will continue doing so.
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters?
Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND
Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation
(TXOGA) Texas Oil and Gas Association
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
Texans deserve experienced leadership they can count on. I understand the state budgeting process. I understand the complexities of the industry that provides a very large percentage of the income that keeps the Texas economy strong and provides jobs for Texans.
Since joining the Railroad Commission in November 2012, I have worked tirelessly to sensibly regulate the state's energy industry, protecting our natural resources while unleashing economic opportunity.
My leadership has helped foster innovation and advance Texas' leadership in global energy production. I am a proud Texan who will continue holding the line against Washington and the left's ongoing efforts to destroy the oil and gas industry in Texas.