Following the Longhorns’ dramatic comeback win over Ohio State, Bo French – the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner – shared a social‑media photo of South Asian students cheering in orange gear. In his caption, French claimed the scene illustrated how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners and suggested the university’s graduation ceremony looked like the image he posted.
Republican leaders push back
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a longtime Texas Republican, quickly responded, calling French’s remarks intolerant and racist. “This is the Republican nominee for statewide office,” Cornyn wrote. “Will other Republican elected officials condemn the intolerance and racism, or look the other way while it becomes normalized? This is how great political parties self‑destruct. Sad.”
State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Democrat running against French, thanked Cornyn for speaking out, noting the disappointment that elected leaders would allow such language to go unchecked.
Additional GOP condemnation
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, along with state representatives Jeff Leach and Lacey Hull, also demanded that French delete the post. Burrows emphasized that one can oppose immigration policy without demeaning people because of their race or ethnicity, stating, “This post has crossed the line.”
The criticism is not new. Last year, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for French’s resignation after the former Tarrant County GOP chair posted a poll asking whether Jews or Muslims posed a greater threat to America. Patrick initially endorsed French’s primary opponent but later shifted his stance after French secured the GOP nomination.
French doubles down
In response to Cornyn’s condemnation, French labeled the senator a “Republican in name only” and accused him of cheering for foreign nationals over American citizens. “He and the other America Last losers are mad that Texas Republicans are starting to put America First,” French wrote, refusing to remove the controversial post.
French’s campaign did not provide comment when contacted for a statement.
Context and implications
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Texas Republican Party over immigration rhetoric and the treatment of minority communities. While some GOP leaders have embraced hard‑line immigration positions, they are drawing a line at overtly demeaning language toward students celebrating a university event.
University officials at the University of Texas at Austin have not responded to requests for comment.
As the November general election approaches, the controversy may influence voter perceptions of the Railroad Commissioner race, especially among Asian‑American voters and those concerned about the tone of political discourse in Texas.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
