From The Texas Tribune · Alejandro Serrano · · 1m 30s
Texas GOP condemns French, keeps supporting him
Republican leaders publicly denounce Bo French's racist posts but refuse to withdraw endorsements ahead of the midterm election.
In brief
Republican leaders publicly denounce Bo French's racist posts but refuse to withdraw endorsements ahead of the midterm election. Texas Republicans are willing to criticize French's racist comments publicly while maintaining political support, suggesting party unity trumps accountability. Originally reported by The…
Abbott fights French in primary
Gov. Greg Abbott opposed Bo French's bid for the Texas Railroad Commission, warning his agenda would damage the state's oil and gas production. Abbott campaigned for French's opponent, Jim Wright.
French wins despite GOP opposition
French won the primary race despite opposition from Abbott and other Republican leaders. The party then unified behind him for the general election.
GOP ignored his racist history
When fighting French in the primary, Republicans never mentioned his documented history of racist, antisemitic, homophobic, and anti-trans social media posts dating back years.
New racist post sparks criticism
French posted a photo of South Asian University of Texas students celebrating a football victory with a caption claiming it showed Americans displaced by foreigners. Republicans condemned the post as racist.
“how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners”
Condemnation without consequences
Multiple Republicans publicly called French's comments racist, but none rescinded their endorsements. Some leaders like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stayed silent or offered weak criticism.
Oil and gas industry stays quiet
The Texas oil and gas industry, which the Railroad Commission regulates, has largely remained silent on French's racist posts despite the controversy.
In short
Texas Republicans are willing to criticize French's racist comments publicly while maintaining political support, suggesting party unity trumps accountability.
