Bush's brother votes Democrat in Texas Senate race

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:58 · Archive

Neil Bush, son of former President George H.W. Bush, voted for Democrat James Talarico over Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in a Texas Senate race.

Neil Bush, son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of George W. Bush, announced on Tuesday that he voted early for Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race. In a Facebook post, Bush said his vote was motivated by 'deep concern about Ken Paxton's record and genuine admiration for the character and principles' in Talarico, the Democratic candidate facing Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Bush stated he was 'deeply troubled' by Paxton's conduct as Texas attorney general, particularly Paxton's decision to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election in other states to help Donald Trump remain in power. Bush also referenced Paxton's 2023 impeachment and acquittal by the Texas state legislature.

Bush, 71, described himself as a lifelong Republican who still believes in traditional Republican principles. However, he wrote that 'character matters more than party affiliation' and that democracy depends on leaders who respect institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability and seek to unite rather than divide. He characterised Talarico as 'a principled, pragmatic leader' with a willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees.

The announcement comes two weeks before the midterms in one of the country's most closely watched Senate races. Early voting began Monday.

How it is being reported

• Member of Bush family reveals he is ditching the GOP and voting Democrat in TexasNeil Bush, whose father and brother have both served as Republican presidents, says that ‘character matters more than party affiliation’Independent World · 21 Oct, 17:09
• Bush’s brother crosses party lines to vote for James Talarico for SenateRepublican Neil Bush says he was ‘deeply troubled’ by Ken Paxton’s conduct and ‘enormously impressed’ with Talarico US politics live – latest updates Neil Bush, a son of former president George HW Bush and a lifelong Republican, announced on Tuesday that he crossed party lines to vote for James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas. In a Facebook post, Neil Bush said he chose to vote early for Talarico over Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate and current Texas attorney general, because he was “deeply troubled” by Paxton’s conduct and was “enormously impressed” by Talarico’s…Guardian World · 21 Oct, 16:29
• George W. Bush's brother says he voted for Talarico in Senate race"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," Neil Bush posted on Facebook.CBS News · 21 Oct, 16:02

In this story: Neil Bush · James Talarico · Ken Paxton · George W. Bush · George H.W. Bush · Donald Trump · Texas

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