Republican State Rep. Jacey Jetton is bucking the current trend of Republican voters, telling a liberal publication he has “always been a fan” of the Bush dynasty.
In a puff piece published by the Houston Chronicle detailing Jetton’s fight “for the heart of the Republican Party,” he criticizes former President Donald Trump and says he prefers politicians like Nikki Haley and Marco Rubio.
“Jetton only mentioned Trump’s name in passing as he criticized rampant “tribalism” in both parties, but he hesitantly admitted that he didn’t vote for the former president in 2016 (he was originally in the Ted Cruz camp and ultimately voted third party),” the article reads.
According to the piece, Jetton says he voted for a third party presidential candidate in 2016, but would support Trump if he is the nominee in 2024. Still, he is quoted as saying he is “blown away” that Trump and Biden are the best candidates the country has to offer.
Jetton also endorsed George P. Bush for attorney general in 2022 against Ken Paxton. Bush went on to lose the race 2-1.
The profile comes as Jetton faces a serious challenge in the Republican primary.
Businessman Matt Morgan—who fell short to Jetton in a runoff in 2020—is challenging him again. He has already earned the endorsement of Attorney General Ken Paxton, as Jetton was among the Republicans that supported his impeachment in May.
Morgan also has the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, who called Jetton a “liberal.”
“He voted to raise taxes, became a sell-out to corporate tax breaks, forcing the bill on property taxpayers, and has consistently voted against conservative issues such as election integrity and allowing taxpayer-funded social transitioning of children,” said Nehls.
Morgan is not the only Republican candidate challenging Jetton, with small business owner Jessica Rose Huang also filing for the position.
The primary election will take place on March 5, 2024.
