From The Texas Tribune · Carlos Nogueras Ramos · · 2m
Oil industry stays quiet on Bo French's racist posts
The Railroad Commission candidate's inflammatory comments draw GOP condemnation but silence from the industry he'd regulate.
In brief
The Railroad Commission candidate's inflammatory comments draw GOP condemnation but silence from the industry he'd regulate. Major oil companies are avoiding Bo French despite his Republican candidacy, concerned his racist posts could damage their business relationships and workforce. Originally reported by The Texas…
French's racist post sparks outcry
Bo French, running for Texas Railroad Commission, posted racist comments targeting South Asian students at a Longhorns game. GOP leaders condemned him.
A history of inflammatory comments
French has a long record of online attacks against Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, South Asian Americans and the LGBTQ+ community.
Big oil refuses to comment
ExxonMobil, Chevron and Occidental Petroleum didn't respond to questions about French's posts. The industry he'd regulate stays silent.
TXOGA condemns after endorsing
The Texas Oil and Gas Association endorsed French days before his latest post, then condemned it. They called respect a cornerstone of industry values.
“Respect is a cornerstone of our industry's core values.”
Industry backed Wright, not French
TXOGA initially endorsed incumbent Jim Wright with $100,000. Exxon gave $20,000, and Chevron and Diamondback each gave $10,000.
French is toxic for business
Oil companies do business in the Middle East and employ South Asian workers, groups French has targeted. Backing him risks operations and workforce relations.
“toxic in so many different ways that the oil and natural gas industry does not want to be openly associated with him”
What the Railroad Commission does
The 135-year-old agency oversees drilling, pipelines, carbon capture and wastewater. It manages a half-billion-dollar budget but has no role in immigration or LGBTQ+ issues.
French offers few policy details
French rarely discusses energy policy or proposes improvements. His social media focuses on immigration and LGBTQ+ issues, not the agency's work.
Extreme deportation proposals
At a March conference, French called for deporting 100 million people, roughly a third of the U.S. population, including Native Americans.
Vague promises on energy costs
French recently updated his website to promise lower gas prices but hasn't explained how. He blames high prices on environmental policy.
“When radical environmentalists try to regulate Oil and Gas out of existence, it is a direct threat on your house and home”
Small oil donors support French
Midland executive Miles Boldrick and others donated tens of thousands. Tim Dunn's son Luke gave at least $50,000, but major companies haven't followed.
Rosenthal pitches moderate message
Democrat Katherine Rosenthal, a former oil engineer, calls himself a "drill baby drill" Democrat. He says he wants to dispel negative narratives about his party.
“I don't know how many people out there have ever met what I call a 'drill baby drill' Democrat”
Industry still wary of Democrats
Experts say oil companies won't back Rosenthal either. Even as one vote on a three-member commission, a Democrat could raise uncomfortable questions.
“The last thing the industry wants is a fox in the henhouse, and that's a Democrat on the Railroad Commission”
The takeaway
Major oil companies are avoiding Bo French despite his Republican candidacy, concerned his racist posts could damage their business relationships and workforce.
