Former President George W. Bush’s brother, Neil Bush, has revealed he voted for Democratic candidate James Talarico for U.S. Senate in Texas, calling President Donald Trump's bid to overturn the 2020 election "an affront to our democratic institutions."
"I voted early today, and I voted for James Talarico for the United States Senate," the Texan businessman wrote in a post on Facebook on Tuesday in a snub to Republican candidate Ken Paxton.
The 71-year-old son of former Republican President George H. W. Bush and chair of his father's nonprofit Points of Light, wrote that while he has been a Republican for most of his life, character “matters more than party affiliation.”
He wrote: “I have been deeply troubled by Paxton's conduct as Texas Attorney General, 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. I believe that effort was an affront to our democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power.”
Bush's endorsement comes as most polls show Talarico narrowly ahead of Paxton in the closely watched Senate race that could determine party control of the chamber. If he wins, he would be the first Democrat to win a statewide race in reliably red Texas in 32 years. Close polling in other recent statewide Texas votes ultimately proved false dawns for Democrats.
Newsweek contacted the Talarico and Paxton campaigns for comment via email outside regular office hours on Wednesday.
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Neil Bush noted Paxton's impeachment by the Republican-controlled Texas House and later acquittal by the Texas Senate, but said his vote for Talarico, a former teacher and state lawmaker, was “about much more” than his opposition to Paxton.
He wrote that although he has never met Talarico, he has been enormously impressed by the way he approaches complicated and controversial issues.
He wrote: “He speaks with respect, 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.
“I see in him the qualities I admire most in public servants: integrity, civility, humility, and a willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees. My impression is that he is a principled, pragmatic leader who understands that public office is a responsibility to serve, not an entitlement to power.”
He concluded: “Our democracy depends on leaders who respect our institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite rather than divide.
“Today, I voted against a style of politics that I believe has damaged our country. More importantly, I voted for the kind of character and leadership I hope will help heal it.”
This is a developing story; more to follow.