Politics

Neil Bush says he crossed party lines to back Talarico in Texas

Lifelong Republican Neil Bush cites concerns about Ken Paxton's conduct in backing Democrat James Talarico.

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 02:18 UTC4 reports

The short version

Neil Bush, a lifelong Republican, says he voted early for Democrat James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton in Texas.[The Guardian]
Bush cited Paxton's challenge to 2020 election results and said he was impressed by Talarico's principles.[The Guardian]
Bush says character matters more than party affiliation, though he still backs many traditional Republican principles.[The Guardian]
Barbara Bush, daughter of George W. Bush, donated $2,500 to a PAC supporting Talarico, according to a report.[The Washington Sun]

Neil Bush, a lifelong Republican and son of former president George H.W. Bush, announced he crossed party lines to vote for James Talarico for Senate in Texas.[The Guardian]
Bush said in a Facebook post that he voted early for Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton, the current Texas attorney general.[The Guardian]
Bush cited Paxton's challenge to the 2020 presidential election results as a reason for his concern.[The Guardian]
Bush wrote that character matters more than party affiliation and that he still believes in many traditional Republican principles.[The Guardian]
Barbara Bush, daughter of former president George W. Bush, donated $2,500 to a political action committee supporting Talarico, as reported by Texas Public Radio.[The Washington Sun]

Bush's criticisms of Paxton are his own attributed opinions and have not been independently verified in the reporting.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.