Matthew McQueen is running in the Democratic primary for Land Commissioner in the 2026 election. McQueen spoke to Abigail Salas here is their conversation.
Abigail Salas:
Can you share with us why you are running for land commissioner?
Matthew McQueen:
Seven years in the legislature, nine years as chair of the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. I mean, this is what I do for a living. This is what I do in the legislature. I'm going to be a great land commissioner if I get the opportunity.
Abigail Salas:
If elected, what are some issues that you would like to address?
Matthew McQueen:
I think we need to modernize the office. I think we need to diversify the income of the land office. 90%, 97% of their money comes from oil and gas. So there are a lot of other opportunities out there, and that oil and gas money is not always going to be there. So we need to think towards the future.
Abigail Salas:
How do you plan on addressing those issues if you are in that role?
Matthew McQueen:
Well, first of all, I have experience doing all these things. I mean, this is what I've done as a professional, as an attorney. And, you know, if you have time, if you have capacity, if you have continuity, you can get this work done.
