Veteran Republican strategist Karl Rove announced Wednesday that he will vote for the Democratic candidate in the Texas Railroad Commission race, citing what he described as "bigoted" remarks by the GOP candidate, Bo French. In a scathing editorial published in The Wall Street Journal titled "Why I’m Voting for a Texas Democrat," Rove declared his intention to break with the party for the second time in his life.
Rove wrote that French's comments diminish the Republican Party and that he "will have no part of it." He identified French's opponent, Jon Rosenthal, as his choice for the upcoming election. This marks Rove's first Democratic vote since he supported Texas Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock in 1994.
Former President Donald Trump reportedly reacted to Rove's decision earlier in the week on Truth Social, calling Rove a "stone cold loser" with "Trump Derangement Syndrome." Trump's criticism stemmed from Rove's refusal to endorse French, who has a history of making controversial statements on social media.
Rove highlighted several of French's past remarks, including a post celebrating a University of Texas football victory with a photo of non-white fans, accompanied by the comment, "The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined." Rove also pointed to French's social media activity, which has included mockery of foreign-born families being "deported together" and the assertion that "you can’t trust women."
"The GOP has a growing number of Bo Frenches—and not only in Texas," Rove wrote. He characterized these individuals as advocates of a "heritage America" composed of white descendants of European settlers, including "Jew-haters," misogynists, conspiracy theorists, and religious bigots.
Rove, a former senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush, played a significant role in Bush's 2000 and 2004 presidential victories. He was also a prominent supporter of the Iraq War.
The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the state's oil and gas industry. Rove concluded his editorial by stating, "The GOP’s stables need a cleaning. This is a good place to start."