Texas Democratic Party calls on Gov. Abbott to Condemn Bo French’s Attack on Crowd’s Appearance

“Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, chose to criticize the appearance of a crowd in a Sunday morning social media post. Mocking or criticizing a crowd because of the way people look is not just offensive, it is fundamentally at odds with the values that make America what it is. Even Republican Senator John Cornyn recognized how awful this rhetoric is and publicly condemned it. So where does Gov. Greg Abbott stand? He opposed French in the Republican primary for Railroad Commissioner as someone who would “wreck” the oil and gas industry. Will he condemn French for wrecking Texas’ reputation on the national and world stage? Will he agree that Democrat Jon Rosenthal is not only a far more qualified candidate for the role, but a Texan with respect for all and the moral courage to denounce anyone who broadcasts his racism so loudly? Texans deserve to know. America is a celebration of diversity. Our country is strongest when people from different backgrounds, cultures, faiths and traditions come together and share a common belief in the promise of this nation. There is nothing un-American about a crowd that reflects the incredible diversity of the people who call America home. That diversity is not something to mock or fear — it is America.”

“At a time when political rhetoric too often seeks to divide Americans based on what they look like, where they come from, or how they worship, our elected leaders should be standing up for all Texans, not looking the other way. We can disagree on politics without attacking people for who they are. Senator Cornyn has made his position clear. Now it’s Gov. Abbott’s turn. Will he condemn this rhetoric, or will he remain silent? The people of Texas deserve an answer.”

Kendall Scudder, Texas Democratic Party Chairman

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