# Bush family members back Democrat in Texas Senate race

> Two prominent Republicans endorse James Talarico against Ken Paxton in a closely fought Texas Senate contest.
- Title: Bush family members back Democrat in Texas Senate race
- Summary: Two prominent Republicans endorse James Talarico against Ken Paxton in a closely fought Texas Senate contest. Barbara Bush and Neil Bush have backed Democrat…
- Keywords: james talarico, ken paxton, barbara bush, neil bush, texas senate race, 2026 midterm elections, republican party, democrat, texas, news, world, Bush
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwx29lk15nxxo
- Published: 2026-10-21T17:39:56.032+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james talarico, ken paxton, barbara bush, neil bush, texas senate race, 2026 midterm elections, republican party, democrat, texas, news, world
## Bush family backs Democrat in Texas
Barbara Bush and Neil Bush, members of the Republican political dynasty, have backed Democrat James Talarico in the hotly fought race for a Texas Senate seat.
## Neil Bush cites Trump concerns
Neil Bush said he opposed Republican Ken Paxton because of his efforts to help President Donald Trump deny his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.

> 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.
## Barbara Bush donates to Talarico
Barbara Bush, daughter of ex-President George W Bush, has reportedly donated two thousand five hundred dollars to a political action committee supporting Talarico.
## Race remains tight before November vote
Opinion polls show Paxton and Talarico neck and neck ahead of the three November midterm elections. No Democrat has won a Texas Senate seat since nineteen eighty-eight.
## Key takeaway

Barbara Bush and Neil Bush have backed Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton, a rare break from party loyalty by the prominent Republican family.