Overview
- French posted a photo of University of Texas students on social media on Sunday and wrote that the scene was “a problem,” a move that drew swift condemnation from senior Republicans including Sen. John Cornyn.
- Rather than apologize, French doubled down, called critics “RINOs,” used the controversy to solicit donations, and kept amplifying his immigration‑focused rhetoric.
- Governor Greg Abbott issued a measured statement that did not directly condemn French while other GOP figures publicly called the posts racist and urged deletion or apology, exposing a clear split inside the party.
- The posts have become a political distraction as early and absentee ballots are being distributed, raising questions about fundraising, turnout among nonwhite voters, and how statewide Republicans will handle immigration messaging.
- French has a long record of extremist and xenophobic statements, yet he retains endorsements from two sitting Railroad Commissioners and oil‑and‑gas PAC support, and reporters note University of Texas admissions data undercut his claim about ‘foreigners’ at the school.