Houston in Top 100 on Richest List

Houston's richest: Pipeline billionaire on Forbes list is 100th wealthiest man in the world

Houston's richest man is now among the 100 wealthiest people in the world.

Rich Kinder, the 70-year-old chairman and CEO of Kinder Morgan, jumped 30 spots in the latest Forbes list of the world's billionaires, released Monday, to No. 100 in the exclusive rankings. The magazine estimates that Kinder's net worth increased by $2.5 billion to $12 billion.

Those who are holdovers from last year's list include the four siblings of oilman Dan Duncan, three (Scott Duncan, 32, Milane Franz, 45, and Dannine Avara, 51) of whom are tied at No. 230 on the list with an estimated net worth of $6.2 billion, while sister Randa Williams, 53, is at No. 240 with an estimated net worth of $6.1 billion.

Among others with Houston ties on the list, along with age, source of wealth, ranking and estimated net worth, are:

Jeffrey Hildebrand, 55, oil, No. 318, $4.9 billion
Dan Friedkin, 50, Toyota dealerships, No. 534, $3.3 billion
George Bishop, 78, oil & gas, No. 690, $2.8 billion
John Arnold, 40, hedge funds, No. 714, $2.6 billion
Tilman Fertitta, 57, restaurants/casinos, No. 737, $2.5 billion
Bob McNair, 78, energy/sports, No. 782, $2.4 billion
Fayez Sarofim, 86, money management, No. 847, $2.2 billion
Joe Jamail, 89, lawsuits, No 1118, $1.7 billion
Les Alexander, 71, Houston Rockets, No. 1190, $1.6 billion

Leading the list are computer magnate Bill Gates, with an estimated net worth of $79.2 billion, Mexican financier Carlos Slim Helu, at $77.1 billion, and investor Warren Buffet, at 72.7 billion. Basketball great Michael Jordan cracked the list for the first time, coming in at No. 1,741 with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.

The full list of rankings is available on the Forbes website.

Rich Kinder, pictured with wife Nancy, is the world's 100th richest man, according to Forbes.

28 Nancy and Rich Kinder at the Buffalo Bayou Ball November 2014

Photo by © Katya Horner

Rich Kinder, pictured with wife Nancy, is the world's 100th richest man, according to Forbes.

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a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

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