Bo French
US midterms: Republican Bo French, who targeted Indian-American students, loses Texas Railroad Commission race
Austin/IBNS: Democratic candidate Jon Rosenthal has defeated Republican nominee Bo French in the 2026 Texas election for Railroad Commissioner. French had faced criticism for targeting Indian-Americans, media reports said.
French had targeted Indian-American students at the University of Texas in Austin in a controversial social media post.
After the defeat, French wrote on X, " Tonight wasn’t the night our campaign had hoped for. To everyone who stood alongside us, gave your time, and believed in what we set out to accomplish, thank you. I will never forget your dedication, your friendship, and, above all, your love for the great state of Texas."
Tonight wasn’t the night our campaign had hoped for. To everyone who stood alongside us, gave your time, and believed in what we set out to accomplish, thank you. I will never forget your dedication, your friendship, and, above all, your love for the great state of Texas. As Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” My dreams for Texas and America remain undiminished, as does my faith in the indomitable spirit of the people of the Lone Star State. I’m not going anywhere — because we have work to do. Onward.
— Bo French (@bofrench) November 4, 2026
Rosenthal's victory marks the first Democratic win in the Railroad Commission election since the 1990s. He had established a significant lead in the early results on election night.
Rosenthal celebrates victory
Celebrating his win, Rosenthal wrote on X: "TOGETHER, WE DID IT. ONE TEXAS. THANK YOU. Thank you, Texas. Your support has inspired and energized me for this entire campaign. Tonight’s results show that experience and good governance matter.
"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."
"I am especially grateful to the Republican leaders who supported me, and the rank-and-file conscientious conservatives who chose competence versus chaos. I will spend the next six years proving that your support was justified."
Thank you, Texas. https://t.co/445r5c9kFe
— Jon Rosenthal (@Jon_RosenthalTX) November 4, 2026
Who is Jon Rosenthal?
Jon Rosenthal is an American Democratic politician, mechanical engineer and former oil-and-gas industry professional from Texas.
He represented District 135 in the Texas House of Representatives from 2019.
Why is the Railroad Commission important?
Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas does not regulate railways. Instead, it oversees the state's oil and gas industry, including pipeline safety, natural gas operations and related energy infrastructure.
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