CNN Investigation Reveals Bo French’s Six-Year History of Calling for Public Executions

Key points

• CNN’s KFile team uncovered a six-year history of posts by Bo French calling for public executions of political opponents, including former President Barack Obama and Senator Adam Schiff.
• The posts, which used hashtags like #HangEmHigh, were deleted or removed from X, but the investigation highlights a pattern of extreme rhetoric.
• French won the Republican nomination for Texas Railroad Commission in May, defeating incumbent Jim Wright, who had the endorsements of Governor Greg Abbott and other party leaders.
• Major Texas Republicans, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have refused to disavow French despite his controversial history.
• French’s campaign has not responded to requests for comment, and the November election is approaching, with the controversy potentially impacting the Texas GOP’s prospects.

Background

Bo French’s recent racist posts about University of Texas students triggered a backlash from fellow Republicans, including U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who urged others to denounce the racism. This incident followed earlier controversies where French made xenophobic comments, prompting swift condemnation from party leaders. The current investigation by CNN’s KFile team adds to the scrutiny French faces as the November election approaches, highlighting ongoing tensions within the Texas GOP.

How outlets are covering it

CNN’s KFile team provided the primary investigation, uncovering the six-year history of posts calling for public executions. The New Republic and The Guardian corroborated the findings, emphasizing the extreme nature of French’s rhetoric and the lack of disavowal from major Texas Republicans. The Grand Forks Herald, through columnist David Harsanyi, offered a different perspective, arguing that while French’s comments were racist, the focus should be on selective immigration policies rather than deriding students based on ethnicity. The outlets generally agree on the facts but differ in their emphasis on the political implications and the broader context of immigration and racial issues in Texas.

Why it matters

The revelation of Bo French’s history of calling for public executions highlights the extreme rhetoric within the Texas GOP and the potential impact on the November election. The lack of disavowal from major party leaders suggests a deeper issue within the party, potentially affecting its prospects in the midterms. The controversy also raises questions about the role of social media in political campaigns and the need for accountability from candidates who use extreme rhetoric to gain support.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve further scrutiny of Bo French’s campaign and the Texas GOP’s response to the controversy. The November election will be a key test of the party’s ability to manage internal divisions and maintain support among voters. Additionally, the investigation may lead to further revelations about French’s past actions and the broader implications for the Texas GOP’s strategy in the midterms.