George W. Bush’s Brother Says He Backed Talarico Over Paxton and Trump
WHO:
The Guardian - Neil Bush is a son of George H.W. Bush and a lifelong Republican; he described himself as a moderate Republican.
The Guardian - Ken Paxton is the Republican candidate and current Texas attorney general; James Talarico is the Democratic candidate.
CBS News Politics - Neil Bush, brother of George W. Bush, said he voted for James Talarico over Ken Paxton.
Drudge Report - Its headline says George W. Bush’s brother criticized Paxton and Trump and revealed he voted for Talarico.
WHAT:
The Guardian - Neil Bush said he voted early for Talarico and wrote: “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.”
The Guardian - Bush said Paxton challenged the 2020 presidential election results in other states to help Trump remain in power; Paxton was impeached by the Texas state legislature in 2023 and acquitted.
The Guardian - Bush called Talarico “a principled, pragmatic leader” and praised his willingness to listen, seek common ground, and bring people together.
The Guardian - No Democrat has won Texas’s Senate seat since the 1980s.
Newsweek - Polls show Trump’s rallies have not hurt Ken Paxton against James Talarico.
CBS News Politics - Neil Bush posted on Facebook: “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.”
CBS News Politics - The vote was in a Senate race.
Drudge Report - The Drudge Report listing described the story as “W. Bush's Brother Shreds Paxton, Trump -- Reveals He Voted for Talarico...”
WHERE:
The Guardian - The Senate race is in Texas.
WHY:
The Guardian - Bush said character matters more than party affiliation and that democracy depends on leaders who respect institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite.
Newsweek - Some Republicans have expressed concern about Trump visits.
CBS News Politics - Bush said his vote was motivated by concern about Ken Paxton’s record and admiration for James Talarico’s character and principles.
HOW:
The Guardian - The Guardian said it had asked the Talarico campaign for comment.
CBS News Politics - Bush shared his explanation in a Facebook post.
Drudge Report - The item appeared as the second-column, fifth story in the Drudge Report listing.
(UPDATED October 21, 2026 22:20 UTC)
Neil Bush, a lifelong Republican and son of former President George H.W. Bush, says he voted for Democrat James Talarico over Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race. In a Facebook post, Bush said concern about Paxton’s record and admiration for Talarico’s character and principles drove his early vote. He described Paxton, Texas’s attorney general, as having challenged the 2020 election results in other states to help President Trump stay in power. Paxton was impeached by the Texas legislature in 2023 and acquitted. Bush called Talarico a principled, pragmatic leader who listens, seeks common ground, and brings people together. He said character matters more than party, and that democracy needs leaders who respect institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and unite people. No Democrat has won a Texas Senate seat since the 1980s.
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(UPDATED October 21, 2026 17:23 UTC)
Neil Bush, brother of George W. Bush, says he voted for James Talarico over Ken Paxton in a Senate race. In a Facebook post, Bush explained that his decision came from deep concern about Paxton’s record and genuine admiration for Talarico’s character and principles. The choice has drawn attention amid debate over President Trump’s visits and rallies in the race. Polls show those rallies have not hurt Paxton against Talarico, even as some Republicans have voiced concern about Trump’s involvement. Bush’s public statement makes clear that his vote was based on his assessment of the two candidates, rather than simply party loyalty. The contest continues to draw scrutiny as voters weigh Paxton’s record, Talarico’s appeal and the role of high-profile political visits.
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(UPDATED October 21, 2026 16:18 UTC)
Neil Bush, brother of George W. Bush, says he voted for James Talarico over Ken Paxton in a Senate race, explaining his choice in a Facebook post. Bush said he was deeply concerned about Paxton’s record and genuinely admired the character and principles he sees in Talarico. The comments drew attention as a rare public break from a member of the Bush family over the contest. The Drudge Report highlighted Bush’s vote and criticism of Paxton and President Trump, describing the story in its listing as a rebuke of both men. The item appeared in the listing’s second column, fifth position. Bush’s stated reasons focused on Paxton’s record and Talarico’s qualities, rather than describing other factors behind his decision. His post made clear that those two considerations motivated his vote.