Anti-DEI candidate declares victory in GOP primary for Texas oil agency
Conservative Bo French has clinched victory in the Republican primary runoff election for a seat on the Railroad Commission of Texas after campaigning on opposing Islam and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. French ousted incumbent commissioner Jim Wright, who was backed by major oil companies and Republican state leaders.
TL;DR
- Bo French won the Republican primary runoff for the Texas Railroad Commission, defeating incumbent Jim Wright.
- French campaigned on opposing Islam and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
- French stated his legislative priority would be to expand a law prohibiting the sale of Texas land to non-citizens from adversarial countries to include Muslim-majority countries.
- French also vowed to end DEI practices within the Commission and create a pro-family and anti-abortion program for Texas oil and gas operators.
- Incumbent Jim Wright was backed by major oil companies like Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as well as Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
- Wright focused his campaign on his record of upholding environmental and safety standards while encouraging industry innovation and job creation.
- French, who has no prior regulatory experience, is a former chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party and owner of a family oil business.
- Governor Greg Abbott publicly opposed French's platform, stating it would harm the state's oil and gas production.
- French will face Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the November general election.