The Governor of Texas is a figurehead and a policy suggestor. He is elected by the people to represent their wishes and frankly, the majority of Texans support the death penalty. He has the power to grant a pardon or parole ONLY after the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole recommends it. He appoints that board, but they are allowed to operate independently of his influence. He can offer a one time 30 day stay to ask the board to review a case, but he cannot do anything else without their recommendation.
Racial tensions are high, but again, they are better than they ever have been.
The killing in Jasper, Texas was horrid. There was hardly a soul in the state that doesn't agree. But look at our suburban schools if you want to see where we are heading. What was once a majority on the playgrounds, it is now a veritable rainbow of races there. Inner city problems are no worse than other large cities throughout this country.