Democrat Jon Rosenthal has won the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner. The commission regulates the state's oil and gas industry, including drilling, pipeline safety and oil-field waste. According to the report, no Democrat has won a general election for an at-large seat on the commission since 1990. Rosenthal will serve a six-year term.
The race drew wide attention after Republican nominee Bo French posted a photo of Longhorn fans celebrating UT's comeback win over Ohio State. French later said social media was exposing "how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners." Both Republicans and Democrats condemned the posts. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called French's comments intolerant. Gov. Greg Abbott said, "That is not my message," and said the photo showed Texans united under the Texas brand.
French defended the posts and said they were part of a broader debate over whether Texas institutions should prioritize Americans over foreign nationals. Rosenthal, a former oil and gas engineer who served in the Legislature, criticized French. Last year, French faced calls to resign after posting a poll asking whether Jews or Muslims posed a greater threat to the United States. He apologized but did not step down from his position at the time.