The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Craddick/Photo via campaign
Name: Christi Craddick
Office Sought: Comptroller of Public Accounts
Party Affiliation: Republican
Age: 55
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees or certificates earned and any institutions attended.
Bachelor's Degree as a Plan II graduate and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin.
What is your occupation?
Texas Railroad Commissioner
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 2023 TFRW Kay Bailey Hutchison Leadership Award, Travis County Bar Association
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
Have been on the Texas Railroad Commission as a Commissioner since 2012. I have been the Chairman several times. I have run and won statewide three times.
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://christicraddickforcomptroller.com/, https://www.facebook.com/christicraddick/, https://x.com/ChristiCraddick, https://www.instagram.com/christicraddick/
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2026?
Having served as Railroad Commissioner since 2012 I understand how important it is that our major state agencies have managers who are proven principled conservative leaders with experience to lead the agency. I am proud of what we accomplished at the Railroad Commission while I have served at that agency. While there, the Texas oil and gas industry made history in 2024, generating a record-breaking 27.3 billion in contributions to the state-funding public schools, infrastructure, law enforcement, and border security. As Chairman, I helped make numerous reforms at the agency including updates that cut permitting delays from months to 48 hours.
I understand the importance of the Comptroller's Office. The Comptroller doesn't pass laws, but it plays a key role in how we budget. I want to take my knowledge, expertise and known ability to fight for Texans to the Comptroller's Office. I know that Texans' economic future remains bright with elected officials who have a strong record of efficiency, transparency, and responsible budgeting.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
Audit Everything. Texas taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. I will launch a top-to-bottom audit to ensure every dollar is tracked, every program is reviewed, and no waste goes unchecked.
Launch a Local Government Efficiency Task Force. From city budgets to special districts, there should be a review of local budgets across Texas, helping communities cut waste and stretch taxpayer dollars further.
Faster refunds for Texas businesses. When small businesses overpay their taxes, they shouldn't have to wait months to get their money back. Timely audits and refunds will be a top priority, because government should work as hard as the people who fund it.
What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
Faster refunds for Texas businesses. When small businesses overpay their taxes, they shouldn't have to wait months to get their money back. Timely audits and refunds will be a top priority, because government should work as hard as the people who fund it. Often time is of the essence for small business cash flow to keep their doors open.
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters? If this question is not applicable, please write N/A.
Endorsements can be found on my website https://christicraddickforcomptroller.com/
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
Experience running a large state agency; expertise working with the Texas legislature and the state budgeting process; experience fighting against federal government overreach and regulations since the Comptroller Office plays a significant role in endangered species issues; proven by running for statewide office and winning three times that I am tough, conservative, and have a strong record of efficiency, transparency, and responsible budgeting at a state agency.