Several high‑profile Texas Republicans publicly rebuked a social‑media post by Bo French, the Republican nominee for state railroad commissioner, after he shared a photo of South Asian students celebrating a University of Texas football victory and added a disparaging comment. The post, which many described as racist, sparked swift condemnation from party leaders who emphasized that intolerance has no place in Texas politics.
Republican leaders demand accountability
Sen. John Cornyn, who is exiting Congress after a primary loss to Trump‑backed Attorney General Ken Paxton, wrote on X, “This is the Republican nominee for statewide office. Are other Republican elected officials going to condemn the intolerance and racism, or look the other way while it becomes normalized? This is how great political parties self‑destruct. Sad.” Cornyn’s statement underscores the party’s commitment to uphold the values of respect and unity that Texas voters expect.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R‑TX) also condemned the post, calling the remarks “unacceptable” and urging fellow Republicans to focus on policy rather than personal attacks. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows added that criticism of immigration policy can be voiced without demeaning people based on race or ethnicity, stating, “This post has crossed the line.”
French doubles down, blames illegal immigration
Rather than apologizing, French responded by labeling Cornyn a “RINO” and asserting that Texas institutions are “overrun by illegal aliens and foreign nationals.” He wrote, “He and the other America Last losers are mad that Texas Republicans are starting to put America First.” French’s rhetoric reflects a hard‑line stance on immigration, a core issue for many Texas conservatives.
Governor Greg Abbott did not issue a direct condemnation, but he clarified that the photo was selective and not representative of all Texans. “The way we win the state is the same way we win football games. We unite under the brand of Texas,” Abbott said, adding that Texas can still lead the nation with the toughest immigration laws and a freeze on H‑1B visas at its universities.
Democratic response and broader context
Democratic state Rep. Jon Rosenthal, who is running against French for the commission, mocked the candidate’s inability to distinguish a Longhorn from a foreigner. Senate candidate James Talarico praised Cornyn’s condemnation and reiterated that “racism has no place in Texas.” Attorney General Paxton, while condemning “racism in all its forms,” did not mention French by name, instead using the moment to attack his Democratic opponent.
French’s history includes prior bigoted remarks toward LGBTQ individuals and anti‑Semitic and Islamophobic comments. When asked by a Dallas TV station in July if he regretted those statements, he replied, “Truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth,” and offered no apology.
What’s at stake for the Railroad Commission?
The Texas Railroad Commission, a three‑member panel that regulates oil and gas production, pipelines, and natural gas utilities, wields significant influence over the state’s energy sector. Commissioners serve six‑year terms, and the race has drawn heightened attention as the incumbent, Jim Wright, was defeated by French in the May GOP primary with the endorsement of Governor Abbott.
With the controversy unfolding, Texas Republicans are urging voters to consider character and conduct alongside policy positions as the November election approaches. The party’s leadership hopes the episode will reinforce a message of unity and respect while maintaining a firm stance on immigration and energy policy.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
