Another member of the Bush family is publicly backing Democrat James Talarico in the race for U.S. Senate in Texas.
Neil Bush, brother of former President George W. Bush, announced in a lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday, Oct. 20, that he cast his ballot for Talarico over Republican Attorney GeneralKen Paxton.
"I have never posted a political message on Facebook, not wanting to offend friends whose views may be very different than mine," Bush wrote. "I'm breaking that tradition because I voted early today, and I voted for James Talarico for the United States Senate."
The announcement comes after George W. Bush's daughter,Barbara Bush, openly donated cash to the Democratic candidate.
In his post, Neil Bush said his decision was driven by "deep concern"
over Paxton's record and "genuine admiration" for Talarico's character and approach to politics.
Bush, a longtime Republican, also criticizedPresident Donald Trump, saying he believes the president has done "enormous" damage to the Republican Party.
"I worry about a political culture in which loyalty to an individual takes precedence over loyalty to principle, and where those who hold power begin to believe they are no longer accountable," Bush wrote. "I have been a Republican for most of my life, and I still believe deeply in many traditional Republican principles. But character matters more than party affiliation."
Bush went on to praise Talarico's leadership style, despite acknowledging that the two have never met.
"I've never met James Talarico, but I have been enormously impressed by the way he approaches complicated and controversial issues. 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," Bush wrote.
He concluded his message by emphasizing that his vote was about more than party politics.
"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," Bush wrote.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George W. Bush's brother backs Talarico: 'Enormously impressed'
