Will a candidate's controversial social media post cost him a crucial seat regulating Texas' massive energy industry?

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Yes, it could materially damage Bo French’s chances, but it is unlikely by itself to decide the race in deeply Republican Texas. The post has clearly raised the political cost of his candidacy. French’s remarks about South Asian UT students triggered unusual criticism from prominent figures across Texas politics, including Karl Rove, who said he would back Democrat Jon Rosenthal, and other Republicans who called the comments racist or unfit for office. French then worsened the fallout by defending the post rather than apologizing, extending the story and reinforcing concerns about judgment. That matters because the Texas Railroad Commission regulates the state’s enormous oil and gas industry, including drilling, pipelines, waste disposal and well oversight. Rosenthal has tried to make the election a competence test, emphasizing his 25-plus years as an oil-field engineer and arguing French has focused on cultural flashpoints unrelated to the commission’s work. There are signs the controversy could move some persuadable voters. A recent poll showed French with only a narrow lead, 44% to 41%, and unusually high uncertainty among Republicans and independents. Rosenthal’s campaign also reported a fundraising bump after the backlash. In a lower-profile statewide race where many voters know little about either candidate, late-breaking controversy can matter more than usual. Still, Texas Democrats have not won statewide in decades, and party alignment often outweighs candidate-speci…

Karl Rove Backs Democrat Jon Rosenthal in Texas Race After Bo French's Racist Post

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Karl Rove Backs Democrat Jon Rosenthal in Texas Race After Bo French's Racist Post

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