Neil Bush, a son of former president George HW Bush and a lifelong Republican, announced on Tuesday that he crossed party lines to vote for James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas.

In a Facebook post, Neil Bush said he chose to vote early for Talarico over Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate and current Texas attorney general, because he was “deeply troubled” by Paxton’s conduct and was “enormously impressed” by Talarico’s principles.

As a moderate Republican, Neil Bush’s statement on the competitive Senate race in Texas reflects views from a faction of the party that often disagrees with Donald Trump while holding traditional conservative views. It comes just two weeks before the midterms, when Democrats and Republicans are battling for the seat in Texas.

“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,” Neil Bush, 71, wrote.

The former president’s son and brother of George W Bush expressed concern about Paxton’s past controversies, including Paxton’s 2023 Texas state legislature impeachment and acquittal, as well as Paxton’s loyalty to Trump.

“I have been a Republican for most of my life, and I still believe deeply in many traditional Republican principles. But character matters more than party affiliation. Our democracy depends on leaders who respect our institutions, tell the truth, accept accountability, and seek to unite rather than divide,” Neil Bush wrote.

Neil Bush said he sees Talarico as “a principled, pragmatic leader” who has a “willingness to listen to those with whom he disagrees”.

“He speaks with respect, seeks common ground, and seems genuinely interested in bringing people together rather than driving them apart. His faith appears to be a deeply rooted source of humility, compassion, and conviction rather than a political weapon,” Neil Bush wrote.

Talarico, a progressive liberal candidate who uses faith-based messaging, is the Democratic party’s latest hopeful to flip the seat in the deep red state. No Democrat has secured the Senate seat in Texas since the 1980s.

“Today, I voted against a style of politics that I believe has damaged our country. More importantly, I voted for the kind of character and leadership I hope will help heal it.”

The Guardian has asked the Talarico campaign for comment.