Tiana Lowe Doescher: Texas Republican’s racist post ‘triggered Republicans’

A photo of University of Texas at Austin students celebrating a football game went viral in September 2026 after Bo French, a Republican candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner, mislabeled it as the university's graduation ceremony and criticized its diversity. The post sparked intense backlash, with many calling his comments racist. Former President George W. Bush’s advisor Karl Rove stated he would vote for Democratic opponent Jon Rosenthal for only the second time in his life. Sen. John Cornyn declared French an embarrassment to the Republican Party and said he wouldn't vote for him, potentially dragging down other GOP candidates. Despite this controversy, UT Austin remains a predominantly Texan institution, with over 80% of its students being Texas residents. The incident highlighted growing concerns about white nationalism within the Republican Party. Karl Rove criticized French’s comments as un-American and out-of-touch with the values that have driven Texas's economic success. Supporters like Federalist CEO Sean Davis defended French’s stance, arguing for a nativist perspective on immigration. This debate underscores the internal conflict within the GOP over inclusivity versus nativism. Texas Governor Greg Abbott distanced himself from French while still supporting anti-immigration policies, reflecting a broader divide in conservative circles. The controversy brought national attention to issues of racial and cultural inclusion in politics, particularly within Texas's influential Republican Party. Despite this, UT Austin continues to demonstrate the benefits of diversity, maintaining its position as a key institution in America’s "new center of gravity." Critics argue that nativist views could harm Texas’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy. This episode illustrates the challenges facing Republicans as they grapple with the changing demographics of the United States. Nick Gillespie argues that embracing diversity is essential for continued prosperity, while others like Sean Davis stress the importance of preserving what they see as traditional American values. The incident also highlights how social media can rapidly escalate political controversies and reshape public perceptions of candidates and parties. Despite French’s inflammatory comments, many Texas Republicans are focused on maintaining a welcoming image to attract both economic investment and diverse populations essential for future growth. The debate over inclusivity and nativism continues to shape the national conversation about immigration and cultural identity within conservative politics.