# Bo French controversy over South Asian remarks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bo-french-controversy-over-south-asian-remarks > Updated: 2026-09-17T22:34:14.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3. Bo French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, has drawn widespread condemnation following social media posts targeting South Asian students at the University of Texas at Austin. French shared a photograph of students celebrating a football victory, claiming that Americans are being “displaced by foreigners” or “replaced by foreigners” and suggesting that the situation is “far worse than anyone imagined.” The remarks triggered significant backlash from both Democratic and Republican leaders. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) criticized the posts as “intolerance and racism,” warning that such behavior could cause the political party to “self-destruct.” Other prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Dustin Burrows and former House Speaker Dade Phelan, also condemned the rhetoric. Republican strategist Karl Rove further labeled French a “bigot.” While French has dismissed his critics as part of an establishment effort against him, he has since doubled down on his stance, arguing that institutions prioritize “foreigners over Texans.” U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) described the posts as “disgraceful,” noting they contribute to a broader rise in attacks against South Asian Americans. The controversy has highlighted internal divisions within the Republican Party regarding the handling of extremist views. University data indicates that Texas residents make up over 80% of the student population, while international students account for less than 10%. In a significant escalation, Senator Cornyn announced he will not vote for French, calling the nominee “an embarrassment to the Republican Party.” Cornyn has not yet determined if he will vote for the Democratic opponent, Jon Rosenthal, or leave his ballot blank. Senator Ted Cruz has also joined the criticism of French. ## Claims - Bo French posted an image of South Asian students at a University of Texas football game, claiming the scene showed how Americans are displaced by foreigners. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Senator John Cornyn criticized Bo French's post as intolerance and racism. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows called for French to delete the post, stating it crossed the line. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Texas residents accounted for more than 80% of students at the University of Texas at Austin during the 2025-26 school year. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: John Cornyn rejects Bo French after racist social media posts Senator John Cornyn has refused to support Republican candidate Bo French for Texas Railroad Commissioner following French's racist social media comments regarding South Asian students at the University of 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-cornyn-rejects-bo-french-after-racist-social-media-posts ### 2026-09-15: Bo French faces GOP backlash over remarks targeting South Asians Texas GOP nominee Bo French is facing criticism from Republican leaders after posting social media comments regarding South Asian students that were described as racist and xenophobic. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bo-french-faces-gop-backlash-over-remarks-targeting-south-asians ### 2026-09-13: Bo French faces backlash over xenophobic posts targeting UT students Texas Republican Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French is facing backlash from both parties after posting xenophobic comments about South Asian students at the University of Texas. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-gop-nominee-bo-french-faces-backlash-over-racist-social-media-post --- Cite as: Bo French controversy over South Asian remarks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bo-french-controversy-over-south-asian-remarks