Farris Cullen Wilks (born 1951) is an American billionaire businessman, petroleum industry executive, pastor, and conservative evangelical Christian philanthropist based in Texas. He is best known as the co-founder of family enterprises alongside his younger twin brother, Dan Wilks, including Wilks Masonry, established in 1995 for stone masonry work, and Frac Tech (also styled FracTech International), a pioneering hydraulic fracturing company founded in 2002 that revolutionized oil and gas extraction techniques, making him a fracking billionaire. In 2011, they sold Frac Tech for approximately $3.5 billion (with some reports citing $3.1 billion), forming the foundation of their vast wealth and enabling diverse investments such as the acquisition of over 672,000 acres of land across six western U.S. states, making them America's 12th-largest private landowners, with holdings managed for ranching, timber, and conservation. Raised as the son of a bricklayer in a modest Texas family, Farris Wilks is deeply committed to his Christian faith, serving as a pastor in the Assembly of Yahweh Seventh Day Church and channeling significant resources as a major donor to conservative and right-wing political causes, evangelical organizations, anti-abortion groups, Republican political action committees, and other philanthropic efforts. He and his brother, through Wilks Brothers LLC, are known for their significant donations to right-wing organizations and media outlets, including major funding to PragerU (founded by Dennis Prager), the Alliance Defending Freedom, and other conservative causes, where they have been described as key investors and sponsors. Their philanthropy has drawn scrutiny for allegations of using straw donors for political contributions, particularly linked to PragerU, ACT for America, and other conservative figures, with investigative reports by outlets like The New York Times highlighting opaque financial ties. Progressive groups have criticized their support for organizations accused of promoting Islamophobia (e.g., ACT for America) and partisan media, highlighting tensions in campaign finance transparency. Wilks has endorsed political figures like Ted Cruz and Mike Lee and maintains a low public profile despite wielding considerable influence in conservative networks through his wealth, with estimates of his net worth exceeding $1.5 billion derived primarily from energy investments. His giving emphasizes evangelical values, anti-abortion efforts, and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting his strong ideological motivations and personal dedication to community and spiritual leadership.