Story perspectives

Cornyn Refuses Support After French Calls UT Fans “Foreigners”

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 11:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Bo French, Republican Texas Railroad Commissioner nominee, posted a photo labeling UT football fans “foreigners” and “a problem.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn called the post racist, refused support, and may leave the ballot blank.
Karl Rove announced he will vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal, citing French’s comments as his reason.
Election officials said French cannot be removed from the ballot because the August 24 deadline passed.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Civil Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2 1964 after a Senate vote of 73-27, outlawed discrimination in public accommodations and created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Its Title VII provisions empower the EEOC to enforce anti-discrimination rules, a legacy that underlies Senator John Cornyn’s rebuke of Texas Railroad Commissioner nominee Bo French’s “foreigners” tweet during the 2024 election cycle.

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Story summary

Bo French, Republican Texas Railroad Commissioner nominee, posted a photo labeling UT football fans “foreigners” and “a problem.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn called the post racist, refused support, and may leave the ballot blank.
Karl Rove announced he will vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal, citing French’s comments as his reason.
Election officials said French cannot be removed from the ballot because the August 24 deadline passed.

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