By Fatma Younis
Democrat Jon Rosenthal has won a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission, a powerful three-member body that regulates the state's multibillion-dollar oil and gas industry. Rosenthal, a state representative, defeated Republican nominee Bo French and a third challenger, marking the first time in decades that Democrats have broken the GOP's hold on the commission.
Controversial Republican Campaign
French's candidacy ignited a national firestorm over bigoted remarks. In September, the former Tarrant County GOP chair suggested on X that South Asian American students at a University of Texas football game were evidence of foreigners displacing Americans. Prominent Republicans, including Senator John Cornyn, denounced the comments. Earlier, in June 2025, French drew rebuke for asking followers whether Jews or Muslims posed a greater threat to America, though he later partially backpedaled. On the trail, French embraced culture-war talking points, vowing to eliminate diversity programs and curb the influence of "radical Islam" and the Chinese Communist Party in the oil industry, while advocating looser regulation.
Rosenthal's Platform and Background
Rosenthal, who cited his 25 years as an oil and gas engineer, ran on lowering utility rates, ensuring clean water and air, and placing resource guardrails around new data-center construction. He framed the race as a choice between competence and chaos.
Urban vs Rural Vote Split
According to Associated Press election data, French easily carried several counties in the Permian Basin, the heart of Texas oil production. Rosenthal's largest voting blocs came from Democratic-leaning urban areas.
Rosenthal's Victory Statement
"I am humbled and honored by the faith placed in me by the people of Texas, who have sent the message that the politics of hate and division do not win in the Lone Star State," Rosenthal wrote on X Tuesday evening. He also thanked Republicans who "chose competence versus chaos." Rosenthal will serve a six-year term on the commission.
