Neil Bush votes for Democrat Talarico over Paxton in Texas Senate race

Bush says character matters more than party affiliation

Republican Neil Bush, a son of former President George HW Bush and the brother of George W Bush, said Tuesday that he voted early for Democrat James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton, the current Texas attorney general, in the Texas U.S. Senate race. The 71-year-old lifelong Republican crossed party lines in the competitive race two weeks before the midterms, when Democrats and Republicans were battling for the seat in Texas.

Bush said in a Facebook post that he chose Talarico because he was “deeply troubled” by Paxton’s conduct and was “enormously impressed” by Talarico’s principles. He wrote, “I have been a Republican for most of my life, and I still believe deeply in many traditional Republican principles. But character matters more than party affiliation. Our democracy depends on leaders who respect our institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite rather than divide.”

Bush described Talarico as “a principled, pragmatic leader” who has a “willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees.” He wrote, “He speaks with respect, seeks common ground, and seems genuinely interested in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. His faith appears to be a deeply rooted source of humility, compassion, and conviction rather than a political weapon.”

Bush’s stated objections to Paxton focused on Paxton’s conduct as Texas attorney general. He wrote, “I have been deeply troubled by Paxton’s conduct as Texas Attorney General, particularly his decision to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election in other states in an effort to help Donald Trump remain in power.” The Guardian reported that Bush also expressed concern about Paxton’s past controversies, including Paxton’s 2023 impeachment and acquittal in the Texas Legislature and Paxton’s loyalty to Trump.

The Guardian characterized Bush as a moderate Republican whose statement reflected views from a faction of the party that often disagrees with Donald Trump while holding traditional conservative views.

The Guardian described Talarico as “a progressive liberal candidate who uses faith-based messaging” and the Democratic Party’s latest hopeful to flip the seat in what The Guardian called a “deep red state.” The Guardian said no Democrat had secured the Senate seat in Texas since the 1980s.

Bush concluded: “Today, I voted against a style of politics that I believe has damaged our country. More importantly, I voted for the kind of character and leadership I hope will help heal it.” The Guardian said it had asked the Talarico campaign for comment.

MSI previously reported that former Paxton attorney Dan Cogdell endorsed Talarico in June after criticizing Paxton’s focus on Trump. Bush’s cross-party vote adds another challenge to Paxton while the Senate contest remains competitive.