Texas Republicans condemn railroad commissioner candidate over

Bo French looked at a photo of UT students at a football game and decided to post a “they’re taking over” riff about South Asian kids. That’s not a “bold truth-teller” moment. It’s just dumb. We’re trying to win elections and govern Texas, not audition for the internet’s worst instincts.

The fast condemnation from Texas Republicans tells you something important: even in a rowdy primary state, there’s a line, and this crossed it. Saying people “of South Asian descent” are taking over the student body isn’t a policy argument about visas, campus priorities, or tuition. It’s a cheap shot at kids who, for all we know, are just there to watch the Longhorns and go to class like everybody else.

If French wants to talk about immigration, fine. There are real issues: the border mess, work permits, vetting, overstretched services, the basics. But don’t turn a football photo into a loyalty test. That’s not America First. That’s picking a fight with families who live here legally, study hard, and are part of the state’s future whether you like it or not.

The railroad commissioner job is serious, too. It touches energy, regulation, and the kind of practical decisions that keep Texas running. Republicans shouldn’t have to waste oxygen cleaning up a candidate’s online tantrum when there are real fights to take to Austin and Washington. If you can’t show judgment on day one, Texans won’t trust you with the levers of power.