Karl Rove Breaks with Republican Party Over Concerns of Bigotry

<figure><img alt="Karl Rove" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/PCBJQKKAE5ERHCASAVC2X4LC3I.JPG?auth=986de1da7d591d7ff13977435486564c08842998460429c56cc8d92f09765bcf&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1536&amp;height=864" /><figcaption>RICHARD BRIAN / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Karl Rove, a prominent Republican strategist, has announced his decision to vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the Texas Railroad Commission race, citing concerns about bigotry within the Republican Party. Rove, who previously aided George W. Bush's presidential campaigns, stated that he is breaking with Republican nominee Bo French due to French's comments regarding a celebration by students of color at the University of Texas.</p><p>French suggested in a post that the celebration reflected a broader issue, stating, “I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. I didn’t believe it. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.”</p><p>In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Rove expressed his concerns about the Republican Party, stating, “The GOP has a growing number of Bo Frenches—and not only in Texas.” He criticized the party for harboring individuals he described as bigoted advocates of a “heritage America” and mentioned various forms of intolerance, including anti-Semitism and misogyny.</p><p>Rove indicated that he would vote for Rosenthal, marking only the second time in his life he has supported a Democrat. He previously voted for Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock in 1994. Rove stated, “These people are diminishing the Republican Party, not building it. I’ll have no part of it. The GOP’s stables need a cleaning. This is a good place to start.”</p><p>French faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, including from Republican Senator John Cornyn. Despite the backlash, French defended his comments, claiming his critics were “less conservative people.”</p><p>Rove has been increasingly critical of former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the administration's strategies during the midterm elections and its approach to foreign policy. He recently noted that Trump's spending on self-promotional ads and rallies might be detrimental to the party.</p><p>In response to Rove's comments, Trump criticized him on Truth Social, stating, “Karl Rove is so bad for the Republican Party, and completely wrong so often.” Trump attributed Rove's views to a case of “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” claiming he has successfully opposed many of Rove's preferred policies.</p>