George P. Bush, a Trump Holdout, Urges Support For Nominee

Land Commissioner George P. Bush, who has not endorsed Donald Trump, is now asking Texas Republicans to support the party's presidential nominee. 

Addressing state GOP activists Saturday, Bush said it was time to put aside any lingering animosity from the primaries — where Trump defeated Bush's dad, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, among others — and get behind Trump. 

"From Team Bush, it's a bitter pill to swallow, but you know what? You get back up and you help the man that won, and you make sure that we stop Hillary Clinton," Bush said, according to video of the remarks provided by an audience member.

Bush was speaking in his capacity as the Texas GOP's victory chairman, who is responsible for overseeing the party's statewide campaign in November. Bush had been criticized for taking the role without backing the party's presidential nominee.

Bush’s remarks Saturday were at a training meeting for members of the State Republican Executive Committee and county chairs. The group also heard from a Trump aide, Matt Mowers.

At least until Saturday, Bush had been one of the most prominent elected officials in Texas withholding his support for Trump. A spokesman for Bush did not respond Sunday afternoon to messages seeking additional detail on his current position on Trump. 

Since the end of the primaries, many members of the Bush family and its network have declined to offer any support for Trump. They include Jeb Bush, former President George W. Bush and former President George H.W. Bush.

Check out our previous coverage of George P. Bush in this election cycle, including:

• questions about whether his involvement in his father's campaign had cut into his official duties
• the awkward position he put himself in with his glowing endorsement of Ted Cruz in 2012
• that time the ambitious young politician compared the high state position he holds to being a dog catcher