Fort Worth Star-Telegram readers had plenty to say last week. From a county judge warning his seat could flip to a Railroad Commission candidate’s social media firestorm, these were the five stories that drew the most comments between Sept. 14 and Sept. 20.

Tim O’Hare warns Tarrant County could turn blue

Republican County Judge Tim O’Hare told True Texas Project members that if Tarrant County doesn’t vote red in November, residents will see more crime, more homelessness and higher taxes. “We are sounding the alarm,” O’Hare said. His opponent, Democratic Commissioner Alisa Simmons, said in a statement she is running to govern the county with “competent, responsible leadership” and pushed back on O’Hare’s record on taxes, healthcare and public safety.

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Bo French condemned for UT football post

Railroad Commission candidate Bo French drew bipartisan criticism after sharing a photo of South Asian students cheering at the Texas–Ohio State game and writing that “the problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.” Sen. John Cornyn called it “intolerance and racism.” Gov. Greg Abbott said he did not share French’s message. House Speaker Dustin Burrows and state Rep. Lacey Hull urged French to delete the post.

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Kennedy: Where are Fort Worth’s leaders?

A column by Bud Kennedy asked why so few Fort Worth and Tarrant County officials publicly criticized French. Kennedy singled out north Fort Worth City Council member Charles Lauersdorf, who wrote that “conservatism doesn’t require us to abandon basic decency or pretend racism becomes acceptable just because someone on our side says it.” Reporters found the first two students identified in French’s photo were American citizens.

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Seven non-citizens charged in voter fraud case

Northern Texas U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould announced federal charges against seven non-citizens accused of unlawfully voting in federal elections or falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. Six of the defendants voted or registered to vote in Tarrant County; one was tied to Dallas County. Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells announced additional state charges against two more defendants. “A lawful vote should never be canceled out by an unlawful vote,” Sorrells said.

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Bo French doubles down and fundraises

Rather than back away, French stood by his UT post and used it to raise money for his Railroad Commission campaign. On a conservative talk radio show, he said the post was about H-1B visa policy, not race. “The left always wants to make it about race, it’s not about race,” French said. “It’s about policy.” True Texas Project CEO Julie McCarty defended him on Facebook, calling French “a rock star.”

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This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

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