Just as election results in Oklahoma’s congressional races showed their importance in the energy industry, the same is said for some in Texas and New Mexico, both among the leading oil and gas producing states in the U.S.
Texas Democrat Rep. Lizzie Fletcher won her reelection race in what is described as one of the most energy-dependent districts in the state.
Democrat Mike Siegel, supported by the Sunrise Movement wasn’t so fortunate. He lost a rematch against Republican Rep. Michael McCaul.
In New Mexico, Republican Yvette Herrell beat Democrat Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. As noted by POLITICO, the congresswoman distanced herself from such of the progressive ideas such as the fracking ban pushed by some Democrats.
(Yvette Herrell)
Herrell, a businesswoman unseated Torres Small after losing to her in the 2018 elections. A member of the Cherokee Nation, she is the third Native American woman elected to Congress and the first Republican Native Woman.
She previously served for 8 years in the New Mexico House of Representatives.
A freshman in the House, Rep. Torres Small was ousted just two years after winning the seat. The Las Cruces Sun News reported that Torres Small was considered by Roll Call to be among the 10 most vulnerable House incumbents.
(Rep. Torres Small)
Herrell capitalized on Torres Small’s vulnerability by linking her to Speaker Pelosi and the Green New Deal. Now the congresswoman-elect, Herrell promised voters she would champion the oil and gas industry.