Anti-Islam, anti-DEI Republican loses bid for Texas oil agency seat to Democrat

Jon Rosenthal, a Democrat and member of the Texas House of Representatives, won the race for Texas railroad commissioner on November 4, 2026, defeating Republican Bo French who faced widespread backlash over his racist comments. Rosenthal received 52.6% of the vote, while French garnered 45.4%. The Texas Railroad Commission regulates oil and gas production in the state, a role that Rosenthal will now assume as one of its three members for a six-year term.

French's campaign was marred by inflammatory rhetoric, including Islamophobic and antisemitic remarks on social media. He faced significant criticism from both within his party and nationally, with prominent Republicans like Senator John Cornyn condemning his actions. French had previously drawn attention in September 2026 when he posted controversial images of students at the University of Texas, suggesting they were evidence of foreign displacement.

Rosenthal campaigned on lowering energy costs for Texans and implementing stricter regulations for data centers and weatherization requirements in gas production. His victory marks a shift in the traditionally Republican-controlled commission, as Democrats have been largely absent from its ranks for decades.