Neil Bush endorses Democrat James Talarico over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Neil Bush announced he voted for Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race, criticizing Ken Paxton’s actions surrounding the 2020 election.
Neil Bush, the brother of former President George W. Bush, posted on Facebook that he voted early for Democrat James Talarico in the Texas U.S. Senate race, directly rejecting Republican Ken Paxton. Bush, a longtime Republican and chair of the Points of Light nonprofit, expressed deep concern over Paxton’s decision to contest the 2020 election results in other states, labeling it an attack on democratic norms. He emphasized that his support for Talarico stems from the latter’s perceived integrity, civility, and willingness to seek common ground, despite never having met him.
Bush also referenced Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House and subsequent acquittal by the Texas Senate, but framed his vote as a broader stand against divisive politics. The endorsement arrives amid close polling that suggests the race could determine party control of the Senate, with a Democratic win marking the first statewide victory in Texas in over three decades.
Why it matters
A high-profile Bush family member backing a Democrat highlights shifting political dynamics in a traditionally Republican state.
How this story developed
- Sep 25 Florida Republicans Fear Democratic Surge as Trump’s Popularity Plummets and Gubernatorial Race Tightens
- Oct 8 Audio from Paxton’s Washington fundraiser was leaked, revealing his complaints about fuel prices and the Iran war.
- Oct 8 Talarico’s campaign says he is recovering from a flu infection and plans to resume in-person campaigning this weekend after a virtual appearance. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team has demanded proof of Talarico’s whereabouts, while Democrats express concern over the candidate’s absence during a crucial campaign phase. Despite the setback, Talarico’s supporters note his extensive ad spend and argue the pause may be preferable to campaigning while ill.
- Oct 11 Paxton’s campaign began circulating missing‑person flyers depicting Talarico.
- Oct 11 Donald’s campaign edited its website to cut eight Trump mentions and moved a Trump photo to a less prominent spot.
- Oct 12 Elon Musk has contributed an unprecedented $366 million to groups supporting GOP candidates ahead of the November 3 elections for the House and Senate.
- Oct 12 An audio recording alleging Talarico’s discharge from a mental‑health facility was released, prompting the Lindner Center’s denial.
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 15 JD Vance publicly backs Ken Paxton and attacks James Talarico's sex‑education stance.
- Oct 15 Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico says his campaign raised $64 million in the third quarter, outpacing Republican Ken Paxton’s $18 million.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
- Oct 17 Republican political action committees have spent over $200 million supporting GOP candidates in the race.
- Oct 21 Trump scheduled a Texas rally on Oct 27 and began a bus tour to boost Paxton’s campaign.
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