Bush family members back Democrat James Talarico in Texas Senate race
The Bushes could potentially influence some disaffected Republicans when it comes to next month's vote.
Bush family members support Democrat James Talarico in Texas Senate contest
From left: Neil Bush, George W Bush, and George HW Bush
Two members of the Bush family, the Republican political dynasty that has long used Texas as its political base, have endorsed Democrat James Talarico in the closely contested race for a Senate seat in the Lone Star State.
Barbara Bush, the daughter of former President George W Bush, has reportedly contributed to Talarico’s campaign, while her uncle, Neil Bush, says he supports the Democrat.
The Republican nominee, Ken Paxton, defeated a primary challenge from Neil Bush’s nephew, so critics may view the endorsement as political sour grapes.
Still, the Bushes could sway some disillusioned Republican voters ahead of next month’s election. No Democrat has won a Texas Senate seat since 1988.
Polls show Paxton and Talarico tied or nearly tied before the 3 November midterm elections, which will determine which party controls Congress.
Neil Bush said he was backing Talarico because of Paxton’s efforts to help President Donald Trump overturn his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden.
In a Facebook post late on Tuesday, Neil Bush said he had already voted for Talarico as early voting got underway.
“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 on Facebook.
A businessman who has never held elected office, Neil Bush is still remembered for his role as director of the Silverado Savings and Loan when it collapsed in 1988, leaving taxpayers with a bill of more than $1bn.
Meanwhile, campaign finance records show Barbara Bush has donated to support Talarico.
Bush, the twin sister of US chat show host Jenna Hager Bush, reportedly gave $2,500 (£1,900) to a political action committee backing the Democrat.
Paxton, who has survived several political scandals, was previously impeached by fellow Republicans in the Texas state legislature.
He also defeated a primary challenge from the son of Jeb Bush, George P Bush.
The Bush family’s relationship with Trump has been complicated since he defeated Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, in the 2016 Republican presidential primary.
Former President George HW Bush once called Trump a “blow hard” and confirmed that he had voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 race.
His son, George W Bush, whom Trump repeatedly criticized for starting the US war in Iraq, has also offered only thinly veiled criticism of Trump.
But during his own political campaigns, George P Bush supported Trump.