Neil Bush, son of former President George HW Bush and a lifelong Republican, announced Tuesday that he had crossed party lines to vote for James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Texas Senate.
In a Facebook post, Neil Bush said he chose to vote early for Talarico over Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee and current attorney general of Texas, because he was “deeply troubled” by Paxton’s conduct and “extremely impressed” by Talarico’s principles.
As a moderate Republican, Neil Bush’s statement on the competitive Senate race in Texas reflects the views of a faction of the party that often disagrees with Donald Trump while retaining traditional conservative views. This comes just two weeks before the midterm elections, when Democrats and Republicans fight for the seat in Texas.
“I have been deeply troubled by Paxton’s conduct as Attorney General of Texas, 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,” Neil Bush, 71, wrote.
The son of the former president and brother of George W Bush expressed concern over Paxton’s past controversies, including Paxton’s impeachment and acquittal by the Texas state legislature in 2023, as well as Paxton’s loyalty to Trump.
“I have been a Republican for most of my life and 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 responsibility, and seek to unite rather than divide,” Neil Bush wrote.
Neil Bush said he considered Talarico “a pragmatic and principled leader” who has a “willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees.”
“He speaks respectfully, 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,” Neil Bush wrote.
Talarico, a progressive liberal candidate who uses faith-based messages, is the Democratic Party’s last hope to flip the seat in the deep red state. No Democrat has won a seat in the Texas Senate since the 1980s.
“Today, I voted against a style of politics that I believe has harmed our country. Most importantly, I voted for the type of character and leadership that I hope will help heal it.”
The Guardian has requested comment from the Talarico campaign.
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