UT Students Condemn Bo French’s Racist Football Post as GOP Fears Electoral Backlash

Key points

• Bo French, running for the Texas Railroad Commission, posted a photo of UT students of South Asian descent on X, claiming they represented a 'problem' of Americans being displaced by foreigners.
• UT students, including senior Dhairya Gupta, called the comments 'insane' and 'disgusting,' noting that the photo was taken out of context during a football game against Ohio State.
• UT officials, including Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife and President Jim Davis, issued statements praising the students as 'incredible fans' and 'Longhorns,' indirectly addressing the controversy.
• GOP operatives expressed concern that French’s rhetoric could undermine the party’s support among Hispanic and Asian American voters, particularly with Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate race and Governor Greg Abbott’s reelection on the ballot.
• French defended his comments on a conservative radio show, arguing that insiders should prioritize citizens' interests, despite facing condemnation from fellow Republicans including Karl Rove.

Background

This incident follows a series of incendiary comments by Bo French that have drawn condemnation from fellow Republicans, many of whom have previously endorsed him. The controversy occurs in the context of years of conservative attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at public universities. Additionally, UT Austin has been prohibited from considering race in admissions since a 2023 Supreme Court decision, and state law requires 90% of freshmen to be in-state residents, with international students comprising only about 4% of undergraduates.

How outlets are covering it

The Texas Tribune focused on the reactions of UT students and university officials, highlighting their dismay and the fact that the photo was taken out of context. Students emphasized that racist comments, while normalized online, reached a new level of severity when made by a political candidate. Politico, on the other hand, emphasized the political ramifications for the Republican Party, noting that GOP operatives feared French’s rhetoric could undermine the party’s recent gains with voters of color in a tough election year. While the Tribune highlighted the personal impact on students, Politico focused on the broader electoral implications for high-profile races, including those of Ken Paxton and Greg Abbott. Both sources agreed that French’s comments were divisive and faced significant backlash, but they differed in their emphasis on the immediate human impact versus the strategic political consequences.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions around race and immigration in Texas politics and the potential impact of inflammatory rhetoric on voter turnout and support, particularly among minority communities. It also underscores the challenges faced by Republican candidates in a state where the party has historically dominated but is now facing increasing competition and scrutiny over its messaging.

What to watch

Bo French is expected to continue his campaign for the Texas Railroad Commission, though his comments have drawn significant backlash from within his own party. The controversy may influence voter sentiment in the upcoming November elections, particularly for high-profile races such as the U.S. Senate and governorship. Further reactions from political figures and the public are likely as the election season progresses.