Bo French wins Republican nomination for Texas Railroad Commissioner

Bo French has won the Republican nomination for Texas Railroad Commissioner in a runoff election. French, who is tasked with regulating the state’s oil and gas industry, has faced criticism from within his own party.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott previously warned that French could ‘wreck’ the oil industry due to a perceived lack of expertise. Beyond professional qualifications, French has drawn scrutiny for a history of inflammatory rhetoric and racist commentary. He has expressed support for the Great Replacement Theory and has made derogatory remarks regarding Black Americans, Native Americans, and Muslim Americans. His past statements include calling for the banning of Islam in the United States and advocating for the deportation of 100 million people.

The nomination has caused friction among Texas Republicans. While some leaders have condemned his rhetoric, others, such as former Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi, have defended him while criticizing opponents for supporting policies they characterize as favoring ‘cheap labor.’