Neil Bush James Talarico: Bush backs Democrat in Texas Senate race
Neil Bush, son of former president George HW Bush and brother of George W Bush, announced on Tuesday that he voted early for James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race - a Neil Bush James Talarico cross-party endorsement made in a Facebook post.
Neil Bush James Talarico: Bush backs Democrat in Texas Senate race
Why Bush says he backed Paxton's rival
The Neil Bush James Talarico announcement came on Tuesday, when the 71-year-old lifelong Republican said he was deeply troubled by the conduct of Ken Paxton, the current Texas attorney general, and enormously impressed by the principles of the Democratic candidate. Among the concerns he listed was Paxton's decision to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election in other states in an effort to help Donald Trump remain in power.
He also pointed to Paxton's 2023 impeachment and acquittal by the Texas state legislature, as well as Paxton's loyalty to Trump.
'Character matters more than party'
"I have been a Republican for most of my life, and I still believe deeply in many traditional Republican principles. But character matters"
Writing in his announcement, Neil Bush said democracy depends on leaders who respect institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite rather than divide. He added that he voted against a style of politics he believes has damaged the country, and for character and leadership he hopes will heal it.
Bush's assessment of Talarico
- Neil Bush called Talarico a principled, pragmatic leader with a willingness to listen to those he disagrees with.
- He wrote that Talarico speaks with respect and seeks common ground.
- He said Talarico treats his faith as a source of humility, compassion and conviction rather than a political weapon.
The stakes two weeks out
The cross-party vote was announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday, two weeks before the midterms, when Democrats and Republicans are battling for the Texas seat. Talarico is a progressive liberal candidate who uses faith-based messaging, and no Democrat has secured the Senate seat in Texas since the 1980s. The Talarico campaign has been asked for comment.
