NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Austin, TX, September 14, 2026: Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, is facing mounting criticism, including from senior members of his own party, after posting a photograph of University of Texas students, many of whom appeared to be of Indian origin, and suggesting they were foreigners displacing Americans.
French posted the photograph on Sept. 13. It showed a large group of young people wearing the University of Texas’ signature burnt orange and celebrating in the stands.
“I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn’t believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined,” French wrote.
The photograph, however, was not taken at a graduation. It showed students and fans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium celebrating the Longhorns’ 24-23 comeback victory over Ohio State on Sept. 12.
There was also no evidence that the people in the photograph were foreign nationals. Their citizenship, immigration status or place of birth could not be determined from their appearance.
French later doubled down on his comments, saying the photograph showed “how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners” and arguing that Texas families were losing opportunities because of foreign students.
The remarks prompted unusually strong criticism from fellow Republicans.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas denounced what he described as “intolerance and racism” and called on other Republicans to speak out. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Republican state Reps. Jeff Leach, Lacey Hull and Jared Patterson were also among those criticizing French.
Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan also weighed in, reportedly saying French was unfit for office.
French responded by attacking Cornyn and other Republicans who criticized him, accusing them of putting foreigners ahead of Americans.
The controversy also drew reaction from Indian-American leaders.
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, condemned French’s comments as xenophobic and objected to students being characterized as foreigners based on their appearance.
SAATH, a youth-led organization focused on political awareness and civic engagement among South Asian Americans, also strongly condemned French’s post. The group said South Asian students should not have to prove that they belong in the United States simply because of their appearance. “We belong in the classroom. We belong in the student section. We belong in Texas. AND WE BELONG IN AMERICA,” SAATH said in a social media post. The organization said the episode highlighted the predicament faced by young South Asian Americans who are sometimes accused of failing to assimilate, yet can still be treated as outsiders even when participating fully in American culture.
The Hindu American Foundation also condemned the rhetoric, arguing that Americans cannot be identified as foreign based on their race, religion or appearance.
University enrollment figures also provide context for French’s claims. According to figures cited in news reports, 80.5 percent of UT students during the 2025-26 academic year were Texas residents, while international students accounted for about 9.3 percent of enrollment.
French has received support from some Republicans. Former Texas Republican Party chairman Matt Rinaldi and state Rep. Andy Hopper were among those who criticized Cornyn following his response to French, exposing a divide within the party over the controversy.
French is the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, which, despite its name, is the state agency responsible primarily for regulating the oil and gas industry.
He faces Democratic state Rep. Jon Rosenthal in the November election. Rosenthal has also condemned French’s remarks.
The controversy comes amid growing concern among Indian Americans over rhetoric targeting the community, particularly on social media and in debates over immigration, jobs and education.
At the center of the dispute is an image of young people celebrating a college football victory. While many of those pictured appeared to be of Indian or South Asian origin, the photograph itself provides no evidence about their citizenship or immigration status.
I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn’t believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined. pic.twitter.com/Ys1bql0y4U
— Bo French (@bofrench) September 13, 2026
