Cornyn says he won't vote for Texas Republican Bo French after controversial post
Also reported by The Hill
Summary
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn said he will not vote for Bo French, a Republican candidate for Texas Railroad Commission, because of French’s social media post that many called racist. Another GOP strategist, Karl Rove, also said he would vote for the Democratic candidate instead.Key Facts
- Bo French is running for a statewide position on the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees oil and gas production regulation.
- French posted a photo of University of Texas students celebrating a football win, making comments about the racial makeup of the group.
- French suggested that Texas families lose university spots to foreigners, a claim not supported by enrollment rules and data.
- Texas law requires UT Austin to admit at least 90% Texas residents, with a maximum of 10% out-of-state or international students.
- UT Austin has fewer than 2,000 international students, about 4.3% of total enrollment.
- Sen. Cornyn called French an embarrassment and said he might leave the Railroad Commission vote blank.
- GOP strategist Karl Rove publicly criticized French’s comments and endorsed the Democratic candidate instead.
- Texas Democrats criticized the Republican Party and Governor Greg Abbott for not condemning French’s post strongly.
