AUSTIN (AP) - Texas Railroad Commission chairman Barry Smitherman is headed to a runoff for the Republican nomination to retain his seat for two more years.

Smitherman was appointed to the commission by Texas Gov. Rick Perry last July, replacing Michael Williams. Smitherman is running to complete Williams’ original term, which expires in 2014. He faced three challengers in the Republican primary Tuesday.

No candidate won 50 percent of the vote Tuesday. It was not yet clear who Smitherman will face in the runoff.

The Railroad Commission oversees the oil and gas industry in Texas. Despite its name, the three-member commission has no power over railroads.

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