Carter Drops Out of Railroad Commission Race

State Rep. Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, is abandoning her Texas Railroad Commission bid, deciding instead to seek a third term in the House District 102 seat she first won in 2010.

Carter raised $15,083 during the three months ending Aug. 25. By comparison, Malachi Boyuls, a political neophyte in that same race, raised $242,961 during the same period. 

They are hardly alone in that crowded race. Candidates won’t officially file to get on the ballot until next month (that period goes from Nov. 9 to Dec. 9), but Carter was one of eight candidates, including seven Republicans, who have expressed interest in replacing Barry Smitherman on that commission. Smitherman is running for attorney general instead of seeking re-election. The primary race includes two former House members, Ray Keller, R-North Richland Hills, and Wayne Christian, R-Center; Becky Berger of Schulenburg, a geologist; Joe Pool Jr. of Austin, an attorney; and Ryan Sitton of Friendswood, an engineer.

Carter’s short-lived foray into statewide politics attracted at least four Republican candidates into the race to replace her, creating a busy primary in which she now has to compete.

Here is her official statement: 

During my exploration of a statewide race, I have received a tremendous amount of support throughout Texas, and for that I am extremely grateful. 

In the past few weeks, however, I have also been strongly encouraged by many constituents, as well as many business, political, and grassroots leaders, to continue to represent them as their conservative voice in House District 102.

There are many issues facing the State of Texas. In the Texas Legislature, I have stood in favor of job creation, public education, low taxation, limited regulation, and tort reform, and I am proud of having been named "Taxpayer Champion," "Courageous Conservative," and "Best of the Legislature." I wish to continue working on important state issues in making Texas an even better place to live and raise a family.

Therefore, after much consideration and prayer, I have decided to run for re-election as State Representative in the 2014 Republican Primary. 

I am appreciative of my community's encouragement, and I am proud to serve as the State Representative in House District 102. I look forward to serving another term in the Texas House of Representatives.

[Editor's note: This story was revised to include the names of all of the known Republican candidates in the primary for railroad commissioner.]