Javier Palomarez, USHBC President & CEO, Responds to Bo French’s Racist Comments
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, September, 14, 2026 The United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC) Following the University of Texas’ comeback victory against Ohio State over the weekend, Republican nominee for Railroad Commissioner Bo French shared a photo of a diverse group of students in the stands, writing “I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn’t believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.”
The post quickly garnered tens of millions of views, including criticism from various prominent Republicans such as Senator John Cornyn, Governor Greg Abbott, State Representatives Lacey Hull and Jared Patterson, as well as Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC), released the following statement on behalf of the organization:
“Bo French’s recent comments regarding the students at one of our most prestigious universities are inexcusable and call into question his ability to represent our state in any official capacity. Texas has historically leveraged our diversity to create and maintain the nation’s most powerful economy. Needless racism and animosity towards a significant amount of our population will inherently inhibit his ability to represent our interests as a people.”
Palomarez continued:
“In the middle of celebrating a historic and exhilarating win for the state’s flagship university, one can’t help but question the character and priorities of someone whose immediate reaction is to attack the racial makeup of the people sharing this moment. I stand with Senator Cornyn, Governor Abbott, Representative Patterson and all of the Republicans condemning this behavior. Given that we have passed the deadline for Governor Aboott to withdraw his nomination, I call on him to urge Mr. French to voluntarily step down and allow someone more suited for leadership in the state to take his place.”
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About the USHBC
Javier Palomarez is the President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). The USHBC is a leading voice for the small business community. A 501(c)6 non-profit organization, the USHBC focuses on the success of American small businesses by ensuring they have a voice in the national dialogue. The USHBC is a nonpartisan organization.
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