Pierce Bush House Bid Shows US Political Dynasties Alive, Well

It is rare one of 17 candidates for the Republican nomination for Congress makes international news simply by announcing for the seat.

But that is precisely what Pierce Bush did Monday afternoon. One of 15 grandchildren of the late George H.W. and Barbara Bush, the Houston-area businessman got into the race for Texas' open 22nd District just before the filing deadline.

Within hours, Pierce's decision to run made the Associated Press, National Public Radio, and ABC-TV News.

If he wins the primary and general election, young Bush, 33, will be the first grandson of a president to sit in the U.S. House since Robert Taft, Jr. served as a U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1966-70. The grandson of President William Howard Taft also went on to be elected Senator from Ohio in 1970.

The attention given the candidacy of Pierce Bush is also the latest example Americans still have a romance with political dynasties, according to someone who should know.

"Whether it's the Bushes, or the Romneys, or the Kennedys, the political gene is deeply embedded in them," Stephen Hess, author of the critically acclaimed "America's Political Dynasties: From Adams to Clinton," told Newsmax.

"Now you can't say for sure someone with a famous political name will win. But you can say they have a lot going for them in terms of recognition and contacts."

Pierce Bush's uncle George W. was elected governor of Texas and president, and first cousin George P. is state land commissioner of the Lone Star State. Given the size and financial contacts of the extended Bush family and friends, it is almost a forgone conclusion Pierce will have all the money he needs.

But opposition will be fierce in the March 3 primary. Bush has already come under fire for announcing he would do what one opponent called "parachuting" in the 22nd from the neighboring 7th District (where Bush actually resides and where his grandfather was U.S. Representative from 1966-70).

Among the primary foes are: Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, multi-millionaire Kathaleen Wall (who spent $6 million of her own money on a race in the nearby 2nd District last year), and former U.S. Border Patrol Agent Greg Hill.

Like most of his opponents, Bush takes a conservative line and denounced "socialism and free things" in his announcement of candidacy. In contrast to many of his relatives, Bush also says he supports President Donald Trump's agenda.

John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.