Texas GOP fractures as Bo French’s anti-Asian posts trigger Karl Rove’s historic Democratic vote
Bo French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, faces severe intra-party backlash after posting xenophobic comments about South Asian students at the University of Texas. While some GOP leaders condemned the remarks, others defended his immigration stance, creating a rift that threatens the party’s unity ahead of the midterms. The controversy has prompted Karl Rove to announce he will vote for French’s Democratic opponent, marking a rare break from decades of Republican loyalty.
Key points
- French posted a photo of UT Austin football fans, labeling South Asian students as 'foreigners' who displaced Americans, sparking immediate condemnation.
- Karl Rove stated he will vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal, calling French a 'bigot' and breaking a 30-year pattern of voting only for Republicans.
- Gov. Greg Abbott criticized French’s rhetoric but simultaneously defended Texas’s strict immigration laws, highlighting a divided response within the party.
- French denied the posts were racist, claiming critics were 'less conservative,' and used the controversy to boost his social media following.
- Democrats view French and fellow hard-liner Don Huffines as vulnerable targets, potentially offering a chance to win a statewide office in Texas for the first time in 30 years.
Background
French previously faced backlash for a poll asking if Jews or Muslims posed a greater threat to America, and for using slurs against transgender individuals. Despite losing the primary endorsement of Abbott, Patrick, and Burrows, he won the runoff against incumbent Jim Wright. His campaign has focused on culture war issues unrelated to the Railroad Commission’s regulatory role.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Times emphasizes the threat to GOP unity and the potential for Democratic gains, noting that French’s supporters sent death threats to his Jewish opponent. Politico highlights the electoral risk, with consultants warning that French’s rhetoric could undermine GOP support among voters of color in a tough election year. The Texas Tribune focuses on the symbolic weight of Karl Rove’s decision to vote for a Democrat, noting that Rove praised a South Asian student at UT Austin while condemning French’s lack of evidence regarding the students' status.
Why it matters
The incident tests the cohesion of the Texas Republican Party just weeks before the midterms. If French’s rhetoric alienates moderate voters, it could jeopardize not only his race but also high-profile contests for the U.S. Senate and governorship, potentially shifting the balance of power in a traditionally red state.
What to watch
Expect continued friction within the Texas GOP as leaders decide whether to publicly distance themselves from French or defend his base. Democrats will likely amplify the controversy to mobilize voters of color and moderate Republicans in the final weeks of the campaign.
- Attack on University of Texas Students Tests Texas G.O.P. Unity The New York Times
- Texas Republicans are scrambling after Bo French’s outburst Politico
- Bo French doubles down on racist remarks after UT-Ohio State football game kvue.com
- UT community grapples with social media comments on student section racial makeup The Daily Texan
- Karl Rove will vote for Democrat over Bo French The Texas Tribune
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