Neil Bush, the younger brother of former President George W. Bush, said Wednesday he voted for Democrat James Talarico, defying his family’s GOP legacy in the battleground state.
Mr. Bush, 71, posted on Facebook that he crossed party lines in the Texas Senate race, checking the box for Mr. Talarico when he voted early. He cited his opposition to President Trump, who he said “has done enormous damage” to the Republican Party.
He also said he preferred the 37-year-old Mr. Talarico over the 63-year-old Mr. Paxton.
People were interested in these podcasts
“My vote was motivated by two things: deep concern about Ken Paxton’s record and genuine admiration for the character and principles I see in James Talarico,” Mr. Bush said.
Mr. Bush said he has never met Mr. Talarico but was concerned about Mr. Paxton, who is the state’s attorney general. Mr. Bush said he opposed Mr. Paxton’s effort to challenge the 2020 election results “in an effort to help Donald Trump remain in power.”
Mr. Trump endorsed Mr. Paxton and helped him win a heated primary against incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Mr. Paxton is tied in the polls with Mr. Talarico, and his weak standing has forced Republicans to pour money into a Senate race that is typically far safer for the GOP.
The Bush family are no fans of President Trump. Mr. Trump famously helped to crush the 2016 presidential aspirations of ex-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is Neil Bush and George Bush’s brother.
He quickly dropped out of the Republican primary, tagged with Mr. Trump’s nickname for him, “Low Energy Jeb.”
Former President George H.W. Bush voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, according to reports.
Neil Bush cited Mr. Paxton’s effort to challenge the 2020 election as well as his 2023 impeachment by the Texas House on charges of bribery and corruption. Mr. Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate.
“More broadly, I believe Donald Trump and those who have enabled him have done enormous damage to the Republican Party. I worry about a political culture in which loyalty to an individual takes precedence over loyalty to principle, and where those who hold power begin to believe they are no longer accountable,” Mr. Bush said.
Mr. Bush’s Facebook followers had a mixed response to his announcement.
“Thank you, Neil, for sharing and voting for the right person instead of your party,” Lyn Sullivan posted.
Danny Stevens said he couldn’t understand Neil Bush’s decision to back Mr. Talarico.
“He’s going to vote in line with the most radical Democrats. His values are diametrically opposed to any Republican’s values by definition,” Mr. Stevens posted.
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.