Bush/Photo by Texas Republican Party
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush appears to be laying the groundwork for a possible primary challenge to incumbent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Bush, who was first elected Land Commissioner in 2014, said in a recent interview that he is “seriously considering” making a bid for the job following media speculation. Bush’s statement and recent public criticisms of Paxton were followed this week by a Tweet from the Texas Tribune’s Patrick Svitek confirming that Bush will be hosting a campaign kickoff rally on June 6 in Austin.
If Bush enters the race, it would set up what could be one of the most competitive elections in Texas for the 2022 election cycle. Paxton ran unopposed in his 2018 primary and was re-elected in the general election that year with 51 percent of the vote over two opponents. Meanwhile, in the same cycle, Bush fended off a competitive primary challenge from Jerry Patterson and went on to win re-election in a three-way race with 54 percent of the vote.
Candidates can file to seek the office through December. The primary election for 2022 is currently scheduled for March.