False Claims Spread About George W. Bush’s Endorsement in Texas Senate Race

Several social media posts have inaccurately claimed that former U.S. President George W. Bush endorsed Democrat James Talarico in the Texas Senate race, one of the nation’s most competitive midterm contests. Talarico is facing Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed by President Donald Trump. This race presents a chance for Democrats to turn a deep-red seat blue, aiming to gain control of the Senate. Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority; Democrats need to gain a net of four seats to seize control.

George W. Bush’s Political Status

At 80 years old, George W. Bush has largely stepped back from political life. In September 2024, the former president’s office announced he would not endorse any candidate in the race, stating his retirement from presidential politics. Newsweek contacted Bush’s media team and office for comments but received no response.

The Claims

One post by Mykhailo Rohoza, a self-described disabled Ukrainian war veteran living in Canada, falsely claimed on X that “The great idiot in the red cap has made the impossible possible. Republican former President George W. Bush is campaigning for a Democrat in Texas.” Rohoza referred to Trump and the MAGA movement’s red hats. Rohoza, who has 43,000 followers, later deleted the post.

Another post by “Corby Zone,” an anonymous account with over 20,000 followers on X, shared a screenshot of an article mentioning “Bush family members” supporting Talarico and falsely added “George W. and Laura Bush are backing James Talarico against Trump’s terrible candidate Ken Paxton.” This post received nearly 750,000 views and was reshared by other users.

The Facts

Newsweek found no public statements from George W. Bush or Laura Bush endorsing Talarico in the Texas Senate race. The former president’s brother, Neil Bush, crossed party lines to support Talarico, praising his “integrity, civility, humility, and willingness to listen to others.” Neil Bush expressed concerns about Paxton’s “judgment and conduct,” and shared his thoughts in an October 20 Facebook post, stating, “I’m breaking that tradition because I voted early today, and I voted for James Talarico for the United States Senate.” Neil Bush’s vote was motivated by concerns about Paxton and admiration for Talarico’s character.

Neil Bush further criticized Ken Paxton’s challenge to the 2020 presidential election results in support of Trump, stating, “I believe Donald Trump and those who have enabled him have done enormous damage to the Republican Party.” He voiced worry about loyalty to individuals over principle and lack of accountability among those in power.

George W. Bush’s daughter, Barbara Bush, contributed $2,500 to the Lone Star Rising PAC supporting Talarico, as reported by San Antonio Express-News citing FEC filings.

The Context

No Democrat has won a Texas Senate seat since 1988, initially making Talarico’s candidacy seem improbable. Yet, Talarico currently polls 2.5 points ahead of Paxton according to Silver Bulletin, showing a margin of 48.7 percent to Paxton’s 46.2 percent. VoteHub places the margin at 2.5 points, and RealClearPolling at 1.5 points. Decision Desk HQ gives Talarico a 57 percent chance of winning, indicating a closely contested race.

Bush reportedly assisted in fundraising for six Republican Senate candidates in battleground states this year, joining Texas Senator John Cornyn’s fundraiser in Dallas for Maintain the Majority. Bush attended as a special guest, according to The New York Times. The event excluded Paxton, who passed Cornyn in the state primary.

The Verdict

George W. Bush has not endorsed Talarico in the Texas Senate race. Despite support from Bush family members, the former president has not extended his endorsement. False social media claims likely stem from misunderstandings of reports about Bush family endorsements.

For corrections regarding this story, contact Newsweek editors: Robert Greenall and John Fitzpatrick.