Two members of the influential Bush political family have thrown their support behind Democrat James Talarico in the closely contested race for a US Senate seat in Texas.
Barbara Bush, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, has reportedly contributed to Talarico’s campaign, while her uncle, businessman Neil Bush, has publicly said he voted for the Democratic candidate.
The backing comes in a race that has attracted significant attention, with Republican Ken Paxton facing Talarico in the November 3 election. The contest could prove significant in determining control of Congress.
Talarico and Paxton are running closely in opinion polls, while Democrats are seeking to break a long Republican hold on Texas. No Democrat has won a Texas seat in the US Senate since 1988.
Neil Bush disclosed his support for Talarico in a Facebook post on Tuesday as early voting got underway. He said his decision was based largely on his opposition to Paxton’s political record and his support for former President Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results.
“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 wrote.
Neil Bush, who has never held elected office, is the brother of former President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. He became widely known for his association with Silverado Savings and Loan, where he served as a director before the institution collapsed in 1988, resulting in losses of more than $1 billion to taxpayers.
Barbara Bush has also contributed financially to efforts supporting Talarico, according to campaign finance records. She reportedly donated $2,500 to a political action committee backing the Democrat.
The endorsements could attract attention among Republican voters who are dissatisfied with Paxton, although critics may portray Neil Bush’s decision as a reaction to the defeat of his nephew, George P. Bush, in the Republican primary.
Paxton defeated George P. Bush, Jeb Bush’s son, during the Republican nomination contest before securing his place on the November ballot.
Paxton has faced several political controversies during his career, including an impeachment by Republicans in the Texas Legislature. He was ultimately acquitted by the Texas Senate.
The Bush family’s relationship with Trump has been complicated since the former president defeated Jeb Bush during the 2016 Republican presidential primary.
Former President George H.W. Bush was critical of Trump and confirmed that he voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. George W. Bush has also made comments interpreted as criticism of Trump, who has repeatedly attacked the former president over the Iraq War.
George P. Bush, however, supported Trump during his own political campaigns, highlighting the divisions within the Bush family over the former president and the direction of the Republican Party.
With the Texas Senate race expected to be closely fought, the support from Barbara and Neil Bush adds another notable dimension to a contest that could test the strength of Republican support in the traditionally conservative state.
