Texas GOP Nominee Drew Scrutiny Over Social Media Post
Bo French, running for the Railroad Commission, faced backlash after mischaracterizing South Asian students online.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Political Parties
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Bo French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, sparked controversy after labeling South Asian University of Texas students as foreigners in a social media post. The incident emerged alongside new polling data suggesting tightening races for prominent state Republicans.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights growing political friction in Texas, where recent polling indicates competitive races for Republican incumbents heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The state has not seen a Democratic statewide victory since 1994, but current trends suggest potential shifts in electoral support.
Recent polling indicates state Representative James Talarico leads Attorney General Ken Paxton 49% to 43%, while Representative Gina Hinojosa leads Governor Greg Abbott 49% to 45% in their respective races.
The players
Bo French
He is the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission.
James Talarico
He is a Democratic state representative currently polling ahead of Ken Paxton in the Senate race.
Ken Paxton
He is the Republican Attorney General of Texas who is trailing in recent polling for his race.
Gina Hinojosa
She is a Democratic state representative leading Governor Greg Abbott in recent gubernatorial polling.
Greg Abbott
He is the Republican Governor of Texas who is currently facing a tighter-than-expected race.
The details
The controversy originated from a social media post in which French shared an image of students celebrating a University of Texas football victory. Despite the students being identifiable members of the university community, French publicly characterized the group as foreigners.
Timeline
1994: The last year a Democrat won a statewide election in Texas.
September 18, 2026: The date of this article's publication.
November 2026: The upcoming midterm elections in Texas.
Political Context
This race is being measured against the 1994 Texas statewide elections, which marked the last time Democrats held a statewide office in the state. The current polling shift represents a potential departure from the multi-decade trend of Republican dominance in Texas politics.
The tightening poll numbers suggest voters may see intensified campaign messaging as candidates navigate changing demographics and political sentiments. Residents should anticipate increased spending and outreach as both parties vie for control ahead of the November 2026 elections.
The takeaway
Voters should examine recent polling data alongside candidate statements to understand the implications for upcoming races. These trends indicate that political engagement is rising as both major parties prepare for a competitive midterm cycle.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of Political Parties in Texas, visit our state election coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Raw Story.
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