Bo French, a Texas Republican candidate for a leadership position at a state agency, has a documented history of making inflammatory statements on social media, including calls for the public execution of political opponents. An investigation by CNN's KFile team revealed multiple instances where French used his social media accounts to advocate for the death penalty for figures such as former President Barack Obama and Senator Adam Schiff.
In 2020, French, using a now-suspended X account, suggested that the death penalty should be applied to Obama-era officials he believed were involved in a 'Russia hoax' related to the 2016 presidential election. He specifically wrote, 'The penalty for treason used to be death. Even for a former president. #HangEmHigh.' He also encouraged Donald Trump to 'hang' these officials.
More recently, in February 2025, French used his current X account, under a former handle, to express a desire for 'public executions' of government officials. He also specifically called for the public execution of Senator Adam Schiff, who led the House committee that investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election.
French's controversial online activity is not new. He has previously posted statements advocating for a ban on the religion of Islam, criticized childless women, and questioned whether 'Jews' or 'Muslims' posed a greater threat. These latest revelations come as French is running to lead Texas's railroad commission and has already faced opposition from prominent Republicans, including Senator John Cornyn, who stated they would not support his candidacy.