ABILENE, Texas - While speaking at Hardin-Simmons University on Tuesday, land commissioner hopeful George P. Bush said students are “the next generation of Texas leaders.”

The grandson of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush was joined by father Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida, in his talk at HSU, part of a five-week bus tour to promote George P. Bush’s bid for state office.

The Texas General Land Office is a little-known but powerful agency of state government, charged with leasing state-controlled land and mineral rights. The agency also is the keeper of records pertaining to state land grants.

George P. Bush is 38 years old and his mother is Mexican. Through his talk on Tuesday, he emphasized his ability to connect with young and Hispanic voter demographics — and, moreover, his ability to steer them away from Democrats, who are vying for the same voter groups.

“Young people and Hispanics: those are two demographics I know a little about. (They) don’t want the liberal, progressive vision,” he said.

George P. Bush faces Democrat John Cook, former mayor of El Paso, in the race for land commissioner. George P. Bush won the Republican primary in March with 73 percent of the vote.

In his talk Tuesday, he didn’t discuss the land office or his specific plans for it. Rather, he played the Republican party line, railing against big government, taxes and liberalism.

“Enough of your big government solutions to our problems,” the candidate said, directing the statement to U.S. President Barack Obama.

He also condemned Wendy Davis, candidate for Texas governor, and a recent advertisement her campaign team released regarding Attorney General Greg Abbott and his decisions in connection with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Later, Jeb Bush took to the podium, saying that his son “won’t let you down.”

“You should see the future as I see it,” he said. “I hope that you will vote.”

Early voting begins Monday and election day is Nov. 4.

Twitter: ChrisCollinsARN