Bo French is seeking the Republican runoff for Texas oil regulator, in a contest that has drawn opposition from major oil companies and top officials including Greg Abbott.French is described as a hard-line candidate, and the race is being framed as a bid for a bigger megaphone in a strategic energy office.The contest matters because the Texas oil regulator role carries influence over energy policy in a state central to the US oil industry.Supporters and opponents are treating the runoff as a test of the strength of the hard right.The available reporting does not give the runoff date, the vote... [Continue Reading]