Neil Bush Says He Voted Early for James Talarico

Neil Bush said he voted early for Democrat James Talarico in the Texas U.S. Senate race, citing concerns about Republican Ken Paxton and admiration for Talarico’s character and principles. Bush, the younger brother of former President George W. Bush, made the statement in a Facebook post. His account of the vote and its rationale comes from that post; the reporting does not independently verify how he voted. Bush said he was troubled by Paxton’s conduct as Texas attorney general, particularly his effort to challenge the 2020 presidential election results in other states. Bush characterized that effort as an affront to democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power. The U.S. Supreme Court denied Texas permission to bring its case against Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin on standing grounds in December 2020. Paxton was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023 and acquitted by the Texas Senate, which also dismissed four articles that had been set aside. Bush pointed to the impeachment as part of his concern about Paxton’s judgment and conduct. Bush said he had never met Talarico but was impressed by how the Democratic nominee approached...