2 Bush family members cross party lines to back Democrat in Texas Senate race

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Two members of one of Texas’ most prominent Republican families have voiced support for Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, highlighting divisions within a political dynasty long associated with the Republican Party.

Barbara Bush, the daughter of former US President George W. Bush, donated $2,500 to Lone Star Rising PAC, a political action committee supporting Talarico, according to its third-quarter 2026 filing with the Federal Election Commission.

The contribution was dated Sept. 23, Houston Public Media reported.

Her uncle, Neil Bush, also publicly endorsed Talarico, saying in a Facebook post that he had voted for the state representative in the race against Republican Ken Paxton.

Bush said his decision stemmed from concerns about Paxton’s record as Texas attorney general and admiration for Talarico’s approach to public service.

“I see in him the qualities I admire most in public servants: integrity, civility, humility, and a willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees,” Bush wrote.

He criticized Paxton’s efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election in other states, calling them an affront to democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power.

Paxton was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023 but acquitted by the Texas Senate.

Bush also expressed concern that loyalty to individual political leaders had taken precedence over principle within the Republican Party while emphasizing that he continued to value traditional Republican ideals.

“Character matters more than party affiliation,” he wrote.

Berk Kutay Gökmen