Politics
Illustration: Mark Marturello/The Des Moines Register
PARTY: Republican
BORN: February 11, 1953 in Midland, Texas
What he’s got: Executive experience and a substantial conservative governing record as two-term Florida governor from 1999 to 2007; high national name recognition; a broad and deep donor network; establishment support up the wazoo; has general election appeal thanks to two terms as a popular governor in Florida, the nation’s largest swing state; support for easing immigration laws and his fluency in Spanish (his wife of more than 40 years is a Mexican-American) may help Republicans reach out to Hispanic voters.
What he lacks: Demonstrated ability to handle deftly questions about his relationship with his older brother’s record and legacy; an organic connection with many factions of the party he hopes to lead; a passionate following within any faction of the party, aside from the donor class; polling strength (especially in the early states) commensurate with his fundraising prowess; consistent ability to deliver a roof-raising speech from a prepared text; appeal as an avatar of next-generation Republicanism; experience in the political trenches during the Obama/Tea Party era.
A campaign photo for Bush’s father, George H.W. Bush, taken of the Bush family in 1966. (From left: Dorothy, George, Jeb, Marvin, George W., Neil, and Barbara). Photograph by: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush waves to the crowd as he announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in Miami, Florida, on June 15, 2015. Photograph by: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Bush joined Jimmy Fallon and The Roots in a segment called “Slow Jam The News” on June 16, 2015. Photograph by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Bush and his wife, Columba, arrive at an Arts for Life! event to announce the foundation’s 2015 scholarship recipients in Miami, on June 5, 2015. Photograph by: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Bush listens to kindergartner Ja’Nae Thompson as she whispers in his ear during his visit to Tangelo Park Elementary School in Orlando, Florida, on October 7, 2010. Photograph by: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/MCT
Bush (sixth from left) was captain of the tennis team at Andover in 1971. Photograph by: Phillips Academy
Bush sits next to his mother at a campaign event during his 1998 run for governor of Florida. Photograph by: Photograph by: Mark Peterson/Redux
Bush is pictured in his 1971 class yearbook at Phillips Academy. Photograph by: Phillips Academy
Jeb Bush Jokes About Talking To Reporters
Jeb Bush jokes with reporters on the campaign trail and assures them he won't go into hiding anytime soon.
“How you get on welfare is by not having a husband in the house—let's be honest here.”
- At a news conference in September 1994.
“Yes, they broke the law, but it’s not a felony. It’s an act of love. It’s an act of commitment to your family.”
- On illegal immigrants to Fox News in April 2014.
“We now have a humanitarian crisis on our southern border that demands strong leadership that respects the rule of law.”
- In July 2014.
“I’m my own man.”
- On his political relationship with his family in February 2015.
“The most fruitful efforts for peace come in moments when America’s word is trusted and America’s commitment is certain.”
- On the Obama administration’s relationship with Israel in March 2015.
There is only one photo from Jeb and Columba’s wedding because his brother Marvin rerolled from a Frank Zappa concert.
Wife
Columba Bush
Met Jeb while he was on a high school exchange program in Ibarrilla, a village outside of her hometown, León, Mexico.
Created the Arts for Life Award, a $2,000 scholarship awarded each year to 25 students who excel and pursue a higher education in the arts.
Children
George P. Bush, Son
Noelle Bush, Daughter
John Ellis Bush, Jr., Son
Parents
George H.W. Bush, Father
Barbara Bush, Mother
Close family
George W. Bush, Brother
Neil Bush, Brother
Marvin Bush, Brother
Dorothy Bush Koch, Sister
Robin Bush, Sister (1949-1953)
