The Battle for Texas | Guest: Bo French | 10/19/26

Interview Overview

Auron MacIntyre interviewed Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner. French described himself as a Texas-born businessman with oil and gas experience who entered politics after serving as chair of the Tarrant County Republican Party.

Energy and the Race

French said the Railroad Commission oversees Texas’s oil and gas industry. He argued that policies favorable to the industry would support jobs and help limit consumer energy costs.

He portrayed his Democratic opponent, John Rosenthal, as hostile to oil and gas, citing Rosenthal’s support from the Sierra Club. These were French’s campaign claims.

Immigration and Cultural Change

French and MacIntyre argued that the scale of immigration and the degree of assimilation matter. They said rapid demographic change could strain schools, health services, and public resources. French also expressed concern about government support for migrants and alleged abuse of H-1B visas.

Both speakers focused particular criticism on Muslim immigration and the formation of separate communities, presenting them as potential challenges to American and Texan culture. These characterizations were opinions expressed during the interview.

Migration Within the U.S.

French said some Californians who moved to Texas before 2020 brought liberal politics with them. He suggested that people arriving after COVID-19 and the 2020 unrest may be more conservative.

He welcomed some right-leaning technology workers while saying Texans should shape the state’s culture.

Texas Democrats and the Election

French criticized Democratic candidate James Talarico as radically progressive and argued that Democrats’ positions on taxes, regulation, and transgender issues would alienate voters. He framed the election as a choice between “common sense” and what he called political extremism.

French also said affordability, immigration, and energy prices were important concerns for Texas voters.

Young Men and Opportunity

French said politicians often overlook young people because older voters turn out more reliably. He argued that young people need opportunities to build successful lives and praised the engagement of young Republicans.

MacIntyre added that many young men want fewer barriers and less government interference, rather than handouts.

Data Centers and Electricity

The speakers discussed the power demands of data centers. French supported reviewing projects carefully and said some operators may build their own generation capacity, potentially adding power to the grid. He argued that local effects and benefits differ across Texas counties.

French also cited a large projected increase in electricity demand and substantial costs for new generation. These figures were presented in the discussion without independent verification.

Voting

French said early voting had begun and urged Texans to vote Republican, arguing that turnout would determine the outcome. In response to a viewer who disliked some Republican leadership, MacIntyre and French encouraged participation in primaries and continued support for the party’s nominees in the general election.

Presenters and Contributors

• Auron MacIntyre: Host
• Bo French: Guest