35 Senate Seats on Ballot as Neil Bush Backs Talarico in Texas

Neil Bush, the brother of former President George W. Bush, said Tuesday he voted for Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race, citing concerns about Republican nominee Ken Paxton, according to a social media post reported by Al Jazeera.

Why Did Neil Bush Back Talarico Over Paxton?

"My concerns about his judgment and conduct are hardly mine alone," he wrote, noting that Paxton "was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House, although subsequently acquitted by the Texas Senate," Al Jazeera reported.

He pointed specifically to the Texas attorney general's effort to challenge 2020 presidential election results in other states. "I have been deeply troubled by Paxton's conduct as Texas Attorney General, particularly his decision to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election in other states in an effort to help Donald Trump remain in power," he wrote, calling the effort "an affront to our democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power."

How Close Is the Texas Senate Race Between Talarico and Paxton?

Talarico and Paxton are competing for an open Senate seat in a contest polls show as tight, Al Jazeera reported. The seat is among 35 nationwide on the ballot as part of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, when Democrats are seeking to flip control of the 100-member chamber.

Texas has not sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1988, according to the outlet. Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff on May 26, after President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton on May 19 and, in a statement cited by Al Jazeera, criticized Cornyn as "not supportive of [him]."

Has Anyone Else in the Family Supported Talarico?

Barbara Bush, daughter of the former president, has donated to a political action committee backing Talarico's campaign, Al Jazeera reported. The former president himself has largely stepped back from political life and has not endorsed candidates in recent elections, according to the outlet. Their father, the late George H.W. Bush, also served as president; the Texas governor turned two-term president served in the White House from 2001 to 2009.

What Does This Mean for Republican Unity in Texas?

Al Jazeera described the endorsement as the latest sign of division among Texas Republicans ahead of the midterms. The crossover support follows a competitive primary season in which Paxton's record as attorney general, including the 2020 election challenge, became a flashpoint within the party.

When Will Texas Voters Decide the Race?

The outcome will be determined Nov. 3, when voters nationwide cast ballots in House, Senate and governor's races, according to Al Jazeera.