Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) announced he will not vote for Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, following French’s social media post criticized as racist. Cornyn called French an ‘embarrassment to the Republican Party’ and suggested his candidacy could harm the GOP’s statewide ticket in the November election.
Cornyn also indicated he may leave his ballot blank for the position, stating he was unsure whether to support French’s Democratic opponent, Jon Rosenthal. The Texas Railroad Commission regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, a role with significant influence over energy policy.
French drew controversy after posting a photo featuring mostly students of color from a University of Texas football game, accompanied by a caption stating, ‘The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.’ The remarks were widely condemned, including by GOP strategist Karl Rove, who also announced he would not vote for French.
Senate Dynamics and Intraparty Tensions
Cornyn’s decision highlights ongoing divisions within the Texas Republican Party ahead of the November election. While Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have endorsed French, Cornyn’s refusal to support him underscores broader concerns about the candidate’s rhetoric and its potential electoral impact.
French’s campaign has centered on hardline immigration policies, including calls to deport 100 million people and emulate the defunct apartheid state of Rhodesia. His opponent, Rosenthal, has framed the race as a pragmatic choice focused on energy regulation, contrasting French’s inflammatory rhetoric with policy proposals to modernize natural gas infrastructure and address abandoned wells.
Reactions and Broader Context
The controversy has drawn attention to the Texas Railroad Commission race, traditionally a low-profile contest with significant implications for the state’s energy sector. Polls suggest the race is competitive, with French’s lead over Rosenthal falling within the margin of error. French’s rise in the Republican primary has raised questions about the party’s direction, particularly as statewide races in Texas remain highly contested.
Cornyn’s criticism of French aligns with broader Republican concerns about the candidate’s electability and the potential fallout for the party’s statewide ticket. The senator’s decision to withhold support reflects a growing unease among some Republicans about French’s controversial statements and their impact on the party’s image.
Background on the Texas Railroad Commission
The Texas Railroad Commission, despite its name, has not regulated railroads since the 1980s. Today, it oversees the state’s oil and gas industry, making it one of the most powerful regulatory bodies in the country. The commission’s three members are elected statewide, and its decisions can influence energy prices, environmental regulations, and economic policies across Texas and beyond.
The race between French and Rosenthal has become a focal point for debates over the future of Texas energy policy, the role of regulation in the industry, and the Republican Party’s stance on social issues. French’s campaign has emphasized hardline conservative positions, while Rosenthal has positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative focused on technical expertise and policy solutions.
Upcoming Election Implications
With the November election approaching, the Texas Railroad Commission race has taken on added significance. The outcome could signal broader trends within the Texas Republican Party, particularly as it grapples with internal divisions and the challenge of maintaining unity ahead of a high-stakes election cycle. Cornyn’s decision to withhold support for French may further complicate efforts to present a cohesive Republican message in the state.