Matthews outpolled Nugent , 2,046,614 votes ( 49.8 percent ) to 1,978,759 ( 48.1 percent ) .
In 1994 , he unseated veteran Democratic Railroad Commissioner James E. Nugent .
Matthews outpolled Railroad Commissioner , 2,046,614 votes ( 49.8 percent ) to 1,978,759 ( 48.1 percent ) .
In 1994 , he unseated veteran Democratic Railroad Commissioner James E. Nugent .