One member of Texas’ most prominent Republican dynasty says he just backed a Democrat, the New York Times reports. Neil Bush, brother of George W. Bush and son of George H.W. Bush, revealed on Facebook that he voted for James Talarico in the state’s Senate race, rejecting Republican nominee Ken Paxton. Per MS Now, George W. Bush’s daughter Barbara also apparently backs Talarico, having donated $2,500 to a PAC that supports him, though she lives and votes in New York.
Bush cited “deep concern” over Paxton’s behavior as Texas attorney general, singling out Paxton’s effort to overturn 2020 election results in other states to keep President Trump in office, which he called an affront to democratic norms. Paxton, who was impeached by the GOP-led Texas House and acquitted by the Senate, secured the nomination with Trump’s late endorsement. Bush said his vote wasn’t just a protest, praising Talarico’s “integrity” and “willingness to listen,” and stressing that character outweighs party loyalty. The Guardian calls Bush a “moderate Republican.”