Democrats Claim Texas Railroad Post for First Time in 36 Years

Texas voters have delivered a historic shift in state energy politics, ending a three-decade Republican hold on a powerful regulatory seat. The outcome reflects a decisive turn in a race defined by intense partisan conflict.

CBS News projects that Democrat Jon Rosenthal defeated Republican Bo French for the position of Texas railroad commissioner. With approximately 93 percent of ballots tallied, Rosenthal held 52.5 percent of the vote against French’s 45.6 percent. This victory marks the first time a Democrat has won this office since 1990.

Rosenthal, a state representative from Houston, brings 25 years of experience as an oil field engineer to the role. French, a former chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party and a resident of Midland, sought to retain the seat for his party. The commission consists of three members, two of whom are currently Republicans.

The railroad commission regulates Texas’ oil and gas sectors rather than rail transport. The industry under its jurisdiction produces more than 40 percent of the nation’s crude oil. Candidates debated specific policy approaches, but French’s public remarks on immigration and religion dominated the campaign narrative.

French faced criticism for declining to retract comments describing immigrants, Muslims, and Jews. A September social media post comparing University of Texas students of South Asian descent to a problem drew national attention. Several students later confirmed their U.S. citizenship. Prominent Republicans, including Sen. John Cornyn and Karl Rove, withheld support for French.

Despite the backlash, French raised more than $700,000 in the period following the student post. Rosenthal collected over $500,000 in the same timeframe. French’s campaign platform included calls to end diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and to stop what he termed an Islamic invasion of Texas.

The election takes place during a challenging year for Texas Republicans. French had previously secured the nomination in a May runoff despite opposition from party leaders. His earlier primary platform emphasized support for the nuclear family and pro-life policies.