Texas Railroad Commission candidates raise over $1.3 million

Republican nominee Bo French and Democratic state Representative Jon Rosenthal have raised a combined $1.3 million in the latest reporting period for the Texas Railroad Commission race. French raised approximately $748,000 between September 25 and October 24, supported by significant contributions from LRG Energy LLC executive Richard Sands and the political action committee Texas United for a Conservative Majority.

Rosenthal secured $524,245 during the same period, marking his largest fundraising haul to date. His donors include philanthropist Susan Sarofim and attorney R. Stephen McNally.

The campaign has been marked by controversy surrounding French, following a viral social media post regarding the racial demographics of students at the University of Texas at Austin. This incident has led to criticism from within his own party, including Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright, who stated he did not vote for French. As Election Day approaches, Rosenthal has increased his visibility through national media appearances and statewide campaigning, while French has maintained a lower public profile.