James Dickey
Former Chairman, Republican Party of Texas
James Dickey is the founder and principal of JD Key Consulting, with more than 20 years of experience in regulated industries, government affairs, and political leadership. As former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas (2017-2020), he led the largest state party organization in America.
Leadership Results
Political Infrastructure Expertise
From 2017 to 2020, James Dickey served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—the largest state party organization in America. Under his leadership, the party achieved unprecedented grassroots success.
- ◆223,000 new Texas voters registered through party programs
- ◆3,862 Republican candidates recruited for the 2018 primary—a historical record
- ◆2 million voters participated in the March 2020 presidential primary
Before serving as State Chairman, James led the Travis County Republican Party from 2014-2017, building political infrastructure in Texas's most politically competitive county. This experience provides unique insight into how Texas politics actually works at the infrastructure level—not just the lobbying level.
Regulated Industry Expertise
James Dickey brings two decades of experience in highly regulated industries, providing practical compliance insight that most government affairs consultants lack. Critically, James has served in actual regulatory governance roles—as a member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission's Legal and Regulatory Affairs Committee and as a Board Member of a Texas Public Improvement District. He doesn't just advocate before regulators; he has served as one.
Insurance & Financial Services
- Co-founder and COO, iMGA—an Austin-based insurance technology company
- Board Member, iManaging General Agency Holdings, LLC
- Prior roles at Kemper Insurance, Great American Insurance, and Republic Group
- Years of hands-on securities and insurance compliance experience
Energy Regulatory Affairs
- Member, Legal and Regulatory Affairs Committee, Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC)
- Direct regulatory governance experience in multi-state energy policy coordination
- Understanding of energy policy from both regulatory and industry perspectives
Local Government & Special District Governance
- Board Member, Texas Public Improvement District (Local Government Code Chapter 372)
- Direct governance experience in infrastructure financing, special assessments, and district operations
- Insider understanding of how special purpose districts (PIDs, MUDs, WCIDs) function from the board level
Texas Policy Expertise
James Dickey advises clients across the most consequential policy areas shaping Texas's economic future. His practice spans three interconnected domains where legislative, regulatory, and political strategy converge.
AI & Emerging Technology
- TRAIGA compliance strategy—navigating the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (HB 149/SB 1964) developer and deployer requirements
- DIR Regulatory Sandbox applications and quarterly reporting guidance
- AI data center regulatory requirements including ERCOT interconnection, water use, and local permitting
- Emerging technology governance: autonomous vehicles, fintech, and crypto-mining policy
Energy & Grid Infrastructure
- ERCOT policy—large load interconnection, demand response, and grid reliability frameworks
- Nuclear energy permitting and SMR siting strategy
- Hydrogen hub regulatory roadmap and carbon capture (CCS) incentives
- Renewable energy integration and advanced biofuels advocacy
Legislative Advocacy
- Active in the 89th Legislature across data center, energy, banking, and manufacturing policy
- Tracking 90th Legislature priorities: grid resilience, public sector AI standards, deepfake fraud prevention
- Sunset Commission navigation and agency rulemaking participation
- Post-bill implementation strategy ensuring legislative wins translate to operational outcomes
Water & Infrastructure Policy
- Texas Water Development Board and State Water Plan navigation
- TCEQ water quality permitting and compliance
- Special purpose district formation and governance (MUDs, PIDs, WCIDs)
- Infrastructure financing mechanisms including SWIFT/SWIRFT funds and bond issuance
Read our detailed analysis: Navigating TRAIGA: The Business Leader's Guide to Texas AI Compliance
Media & Thought Leadership
James Dickey is a recognized voice on Texas politics and policy, with media appearances spanning national and state outlets. His commentary has been featured on Fox News, C-SPAN, and in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, New York Times, New York Post, Washington Post, Washington Times, CNBC, Business Insider, Politico, and The Hill.
At the state level, James is regularly cited by the Austin American-Statesman, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, Texas Monthly, Texas Observer, and Texas Tribune. He has appeared on Spectrum News Austin's Capital Tonight, FOX 7 Austin, WFAA's Inside Texas Politics, KXAN, and NPR affiliates KUT, Texas Public Radio, and KERA News.
James hosts the Winning On Issues podcast, featuring conversations with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders on the Texas government affairs landscape.
“I built the political infrastructure that registered 223,000 voters and recruited nearly 4,000 candidates. Now I bring that same operational intensity to every client engagement—because in Texas government affairs, relationships without strategy are just conversations.”
— James Dickey
Education
Stanford University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Bachelor of Arts, English
Baylor University
Master of Business Administration
Principal-Led Engagement
Unlike large lobbying firms that assign junior associates to client accounts, JD Key Consulting provides direct, principal-led engagement. Every client works directly with James—not account managers or associates.
When your project requires specialized lobbying or sector expertise, James brings in carefully vetted partners from his network of Texas government affairs professionals. You approve every addition to your team.
This Model Delivers:
- Intellectual rigor from a Stanford/Baylor-trained strategist
- Political insight from someone who ran the party infrastructure
- Tactical execution from specialized partners when needed
- Cost efficiency from a boutique structure without overhead bloat
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is James Dickey?
James Dickey is the founder and principal of JD Key Consulting, a Texas-based government affairs firm. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas from 2017 to 2020, leading the largest state party organization in America. During his tenure, he registered 223,000 new voters and recruited a record 3,862 candidates for the 2018 primary.
What is James Dickey's educational background?
James Dickey holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and English from Stanford University, and a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University.
What industries does JD Key Consulting specialize in?
JD Key Consulting specializes in government affairs and regulatory compliance for data centers, energy (including nuclear), banking and financial services, and manufacturing. James Dickey brings over 20 years of experience in regulated industries, including roles at major insurance companies and membership on the IOGCC Legal and Regulatory Affairs Committee.
What makes JD Key Consulting different from large lobbying firms?
Unlike large lobbying firms that assign junior associates to client accounts, JD Key Consulting provides principal-led engagement. Every client works directly with James Dickey—a former State Party Chairman with deep relationships in Texas government. When specialized expertise is needed, James brings in carefully vetted partners from his network.
What is James Dickey's experience in energy regulation?
James Dickey serves on the Legal and Regulatory Affairs Committee of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), giving him direct regulatory governance experience in multi-state energy policy coordination. Combined with his service as a Texas Public Improvement District Board Member, James has served on both sides of the regulatory table—as both an advocate and a decision-maker. This governance background provides unique insight into state-federal regulatory interplay for energy policy, including emerging issues around data centers and nuclear energy.
What is James Dickey's experience with water and infrastructure policy?
James Dickey served as a Board Member of a Texas Public Improvement District under Local Government Code Chapter 372, giving him direct governance experience in infrastructure financing, special assessments, and district operations. This insider perspective on how special purpose districts (PIDs, MUDs, WCIDs) function from the board level informs his work helping clients navigate TCEQ water permitting, Texas Water Development Board programs, SWIFT/SWIRFT infrastructure financing, and special district formation and governance.
Does James Dickey advise on TRAIGA and AI regulation in Texas?
Yes. James Dickey provides strategic advisory on the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA), DIR Regulatory Sandbox applications, and the broader AI policy landscape in Texas. He tracks AI-related legislation through the 90th Legislature and helps technology companies navigate compliance requirements, disclosure obligations, and the 60-day cure period framework.
What is the Winning On Issues podcast?
Winning On Issues is a podcast hosted by James Dickey that explores Texas government affairs, legislative strategy, and the intersection of policy and business. The show features conversations with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders shaping the Texas political landscape.
Ready to Discuss Your Government Affairs Needs?
Schedule a confidential consultation with James to discuss how JD Key Consulting can help your business navigate Texas regulatory complexity.