Todd Staples is the President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), the oldest and largest oil and gas trade association in Texas, representing every facet of the industry—including production, pipelines, refineries, service companies and LNG facilities. Since joining TXOGA in 2014, he has been a leading voice for pro-energy policies that promotes American energy security, supporting job creation, economic growth, and innovation across the state. 

A dedicated public servant with deep roots in Texas, Staples previously served as the 11th Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, winning two statewide elections. In that role, he championed rural economic development, consumer protection, developing water solutions, promotion of Texas agricultural products through the GO TEXAN program, led on early border security efforts, and initiatives to support private-sector job creation. Prior to that, he served with distinction for 12 years in the Texas Legislature—as a State Senator representing Senate District 3 and as a State Representative for House District 11—where he focused on issues such as property rights, transportation, natural resources, and school finance. Staples authored major workers’ compensation reform, served on both the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees, and chaired the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security, Senate Interim Select Committee on Workers Compensation Reform and Senate Republican Caucus. 

Staples began his career in public service on the Palestine City Council and built a successful background as a small businessman, rancher, and real estate professional. A proud Texas A&M University graduate (with honors, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics), he has long been an advocate for economic growth, agriculture, energy, and workforce development.

A family man from East Texas, Staples and his wife Janet split time between Austin and Palestine. He is known for his collaborative approach to leadership, expertise on energy and agriculture policy, state government strategy and his engaging storytelling drawn from decades of experience serving Texas communities and industries.