Chairman Tom Craddick has spent his life fighting for the values that make Texas strong: faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility. Today, he continues to lead as a principled Republican delivering conservative results, protecting our values, and keeping West Texas strong for future generations.
Meet Tom Craddick
Tom Craddick has spent his career shaping the policies that keep Texas running, from the oilfields of the Permian Basin to the highways and infrastructure that move our economy forward. As Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, the former Speaker of the Texas House, and a longtime leader on energy and economic development. Representative Craddick is at the center of every major discussion on oil, gas and infrastructure in Texas.
A trailblazer from the start, Tom was one of the first Republicans elected to the Texas House from West Texas. His work helped lay the foundation for the strong, conservative leadership Texans count on today. Over the years, he has earned respect for his deep understanding of energy policy, his commitment to responsible regulation, and his record of turning bold ideas into real results.
During his tenure as Speaker, Texas reversed a $10 billion budget shortfall into a $10 billion surplus, enacted landmark tort reform that helped attract thousands of doctors to the state, and passed the largest property-tax cut in Texas history.
Today, as Dean of the Texas House and a recognized authority on transportation and energy issues, Tom continues to champion policies that protect jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and keep Texas energy independent. He remains focused on ensuring that the next generation of Texans inherits a stronger, safer, and more prosperous state.
A lifelong West Texan, Tom is also a businessman, husband, father, and grandfather. He holds a BBA and MBA from Texas Tech University. He and his wife Nadine, a native of Sweetwater, have two children, Christi and Tommy, who is married to their daughter-in-law Laura, and three grandchildren.
Conservative Results Texans Can Count On
The Bottom Line
Tom Craddick keeps fighting for the same conservative principles that built this state: secure borders, lower taxes, faith, freedom, and fairness. He knows what matters to West Texans because he lives it every day. Whether it’s protecting our kids, defending our values, or keeping our economy and water supply strong, Tom doesn’t back down when our way of life is on the line, and he never will.
Real funding. Real projects. Real results.
- $3 billion – Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Authored and passed legislation and a Constitutional Amendment (in 2025) to provide funding for Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. This will bring the best and brightest researchers, scientists, doctors, and solutions to Texans. - $126.7 million — Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center
Established a new 200-bed regional hospital serving Midland, Ector, and surrounding counties — bringing inpatient and outpatient care closer to home.
- $15 million — Rural Health Initiatives
Expanded hospital and clinic capacity across West Texas, keeping care local for rural families.
- $6 million — UT Permian Basin Healthcare Training
Strengthening the medical pipeline by training future nurses and doctors right here in the Basin.
- $1.15 million per year — TTUHSC Midland Residency Program
Expanding physician training so more doctors live, work, and serve in West Texas.
- $1.75 million — Midland College Mental Health Workforce Program
Training counselors and behavioral-health professionals to meet local needs.
- $300,000 per year — Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
Preserving the region’s oil-and-gas heritage while educating future generations.
- $61.9 million — Keeping Texas Prepared Strategy
Strengthening emergency readiness and disaster response for families and first responders across the region. - 1,000+ — Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program Graduates
Trained through TTUHSC Midland since 1999, expanding access to care across West Texas and beyond. Named in honor of Tom and Nadine Craddick for their leadership in creating and sustaining this nationally recognized program,
Legislation That Matters
Tom Craddick has written and passed dozens of bills that keep Texas strong, free, and growing.
Protecting Faith & Freedom
- Strengthened protections for churches and faith-based groups from government retaliation.
- Granted tax exemptions to nonprofits and religious organizations so more dollars go directly to community service.
Supporting Families & Communities
- Created the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center to expand access to mental-health care.
- Launched a Rural Child Welfare Pilot Program to keep kids safe through local, community-based solutions.
Protecting Texas Energy & Water
- Passed laws to prevent oilfield theft and strengthen penalties for illegal dumping.
- Modernized enterprise-zone incentives so energy and water-sector employers keep jobs in Texas.
- Supported long-term planning and investment to secure water for agriculture, industry, and families across the Permian Basin.
Supporting West Texas Culture and Community
- Envisioned and championed the creation of the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, turning a long-held local vision into reality.
- Secured legislative approval and state funding to make the project possible.
- Helped transform the cultural and economic landscape of the Permian Basin, bringing world-class performances and opportunity to West Texas.
Improving Transparency & Accountability
- Simplified tax-dispute procedures for small businesses.
- Required deferred property taxes to be clearly labeled as “deferred,” not “delinquent.”
- Ensured proposed climate charters undergo public review and voter approval before adoption.
Supporting Law Enforcement & Victims
- Extended statutes of limitation for assault and family-violence cases.
- Created “Veronica’s Hotline,” a 24-hour statewide hotline for Texans to report workplace harassment or violence.
- Provided disabled peace officers with specialized license plates and parking privileges recognizing their service.
Transportation
- Led efforts to expand airline access in and out of the Permian Basin, improving travel options and supporting regional business growth.
- Worked with Southwest Airlines and other carriers to establish new routes and increase flight frequency across Texas, strengthening connectivity for residents and industries in West Texas.
- Funded and established Highway 158, Loop 250, Highway 349, and the Nadine and Tom Craddick Highway, improving safety and efficiency for heavy truck traffic throughout the region.
Tom Craddick’s conservative leadership has earned the trust of those who know his work best, from local law-enforcement officers and community leaders to fellow Republicans who share his vision for Texas.
Get Involved
West Texas thrives when we work together. Join the team that’s keeping our region strong and our future secure.