By Karim Hammam
Democratic state Rep. Jon Rosenthal has won the election for Texas railroad commissioner, defeating Republican nominee Bo French after French faced widespread condemnation for anti-immigrant, Islamophobic and antisemitic remarks. Rosenthal will serve a six-year term on the three-member commission that regulates oil and gas production in the state.
Controversial remarks by French
French, the former Tarrant County Republican Party chair, drew national criticism in September when he posted an image of University of Texas graduates, some of whom appeared to be South Asian, and claimed "Americans have been displaced by foreigners." He also stated at a Conservative Political Action Conference appearance that the Republican Party should embrace Islamophobia and deport 100 million people, and once posted an online poll asking whether "Jews" or "Muslims" pose a bigger threat to the U.S.
Republican condemnation
Prominent Texas Republicans denounced French's rhetoric. Sen. John Cornyn said he would not vote for French. Longtime GOP strategist Karl Rove declared he would vote for Rosenthal instead. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker endorsed Rosenthal, saying the commission "is not a place for culture wars and bigotry." Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called on French to resign as county party chair, stating that "antisemitism and religious bigotry have no place in Texas."
Rosenthal's platform and background
Rosenthal, a mechanical engineer who has represented north-central Houston in the state House since 2019, campaigned on lowering energy costs for Texans, implementing guardrails for data centers, requiring weatherization for gas production, and banning industry donations to commissioners.
Other Democratic wins
Rosenthal joins a new slate of incoming Democratic officeholders, including Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa and Sen.-elect James Talarico.
