Ryan Christopher Sitton (born 1975) is an American politician who served as a member of the Texas Railroad Commission from 2015 to 2021. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Personal life and education Sitton was raised in Irving, Texas with his three siblings by his mother and father, both high school science teachers. Sitton displayed a talent for math and science. Sitton attended Cistercian Preparatory School and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University where he met his wife, Jennifer, also a mechanical engineering major.
The couple has three children and belongs to St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Outside of his professional work, Sitton exercises daily using the P90X fitness program and owns a collection of more than 100,000 Legos.Helman, Christopher. "Texas Oil Regulator: Trump EPA Pick Is Good At 'Breaking Down Worthless Organizations.'" Forbes. Dec. 9, 2016.
Business career Sitton spent his early career working for oil and gas companies, including ALCOA, Oxy, Marathon, and Berwanger Engineering and Consulting. In 2006, the Sittons founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company. PinnacleART operates on solar power with natural gas backups.
Political career 2012 Texas House of Representatives race
In 2012, Sitton lost a runoff contest with fellow Republican Greg Bonnen in Galveston County for the District 24 seat in the Texas House of Representatives.
Texas Railroad Commissioner
Incumbent officeholder Barry Smitherman decided to run, unsuccessfully, for state attorney general, thus creating an open seat. Sitton announced his candidacy for the Railroad Commission.
Sitton polled 398,652 votes (57.3 percent) to Christian's 297,654 (42.7 percent).Texas GOP Picks Ryan Sitton as Railroad Commissioner, KXAS-TV, May 27, 2014. Sitton outspent Christian by a large amount.Grissom, Brandi. Tea Party Conservatives Win Top GOP Runoff Contests, Texas Tribune, May 28, 2014.
Sitton faced Steve Brown, a Democratic businessman from Houston, Libertarian Party candidate Mark Miller, and Green Party candidate Martina Salinas.News App: The 2014 Election Brackets, Texas Tribune, May 29, 2014. Sitton won the general election with 58% of the vote.
Sitton was sworn in on January 5, 2015, succeeding outgoing Commissioner Barry Smitherman.(January 5, 2015) - "Ryan Sitton Sworn In as Railroad Commissioner". KVUE.com. Retrieved March 3, 2015.(January 5, 2015) - "Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Sworn-In". Weatherford Democrat. Retrieved March 3, 2015. He is the first mechanical engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years.
In December 2016, Sitton praised President Donald Trump's choice for EPA head, Scott Pruitt, predicting that Trump and Pruitt's reduction of federal regulations would lead to an oil boom.
In 2017, Sitton voted in favor of Exxon Mobil in a regulation issue. He did not, however, disclose that Exxon Mobil is a client of his company, PinnacleART.
In 2019, Sitton was passed over for Railroad Commission chairman, a break from tradition since the incumbent closest to re-election is usually chosen.
In 2020, Sitton lost the Republican primary for reelection to Jim Wright, despite having the support of the Texas governor, lieutenant governor, and both of the state's senators. Sitton's campaign had raised $2 million more than Wright's $13,000 campaign.
Sitton played a significant role in the 2020 Russia–Saudi Arabia oil price war.
In 2020, Sitton returned to work as CEO at PinnacleART.
Election history
2014
2012
Awards 2015: Houston Business Journal's 40 under 40 list. 2015: Distinguished Engineering Alumnus, Texas A&M University. 2016: Hearst Energy Award for Government Service.
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