George P. Bush to run for land commissioner

George Prescott Bush Garnica, son of Jeb Bush, is photographed Saturday evening in McNair Hall at Rice University before speaking at the HIspanic Alumni Gala. Bush is a member of the board of directors of the Hispanic Republicans of Texas, a political action committee whose goal is to elect Republican political candidates of Hispanic heritage to office in Texas. Nathan Lindstrom/For the Chronicle 2012 Nathan Lindstrom less George Prescott Bush Garnica, son of Jeb Bush, is photographed Saturday evening in McNair Hall at Rice University before speaking at the HIspanic Alumni Gala. Bush is a member of the board of directors of the ... more Photo: Nathan Lindstrom, Photographer Photo: Nathan Lindstrom, Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close George P. Bush to run for land commissioner 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Ending months of speculation, Fort Worth lawyer George P. Bush announced he would run for Texas land commissioner with a Twitter message Tuesday after confirming that current Commissioner Jerry Patterson would not seek re-election.

Bush, the grandson of former President George H.W. Bush, nephew of former President of George W. Bush and son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, also launched a two-minute campaign video on YouTube. In it, he credits former First Lady Barbara Bush with his decision to seek public office.

In January, Bush, 36, filed a campaign finance report with the Texas Ethics Commission reporting he had gathered $1.3 million in contributions, including $50,000 from a George Bush whose hometown is listed as Midland, and another $50,000 from his father.

The Navy veteran said in his YouTube video that he wants to lead the General Land Office because it is responsible for policy in areas he is passionate about: veterans affairs, education and energy.

"We respect and honor our veterans," he said. "We know the men and women in our military deserve nothing but the best from each and every one of us."

Democrats say Bush's family's record in office will prove detrimental to his political aspirations.

"Serving in elected office is a privilege, not a birthright. George Bush must go through the same public screening as any other candidate," said Progress Texas Executive Director Matt Glazer. "Polls show that Texans strongly reject the standardized testing and privatization policies his family has promoted. Unless George Bush can prove he's not just another Bush, his candidacy is likely to be met with strong opposition across the state."

Not surprisingly, Republican consultants reacted more favorably.

"Great name, even better Rolodex," said consultant Eric Bearse. "He'll have to succeed on his own merits but he's bright, talented and has unlimited potential."

Karl Rove concurred. "All for him," he said by email. "Great talent, wonderful character, tremendous ability."