Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), who is considering running for president, identified himself as Hispanic on a voter registration form in 2009, The New York Times reported on Monday.
When asked for his race or ethnicity, he marked the box labeled “Hispanic” on the voter registration application — which the Times posted along with its story.
Under Florida law, voter registration applications must be submitted in hard copy and require a signature.
Bush made light of the story in a tweet. "Don’t think I’ve fooled anyone," he said when his son tweeted using the hashtag #HonoraryLatino.
My mistake! Don’t think I’ve fooled anyone! RT @JebBushJr LOL - come on dad, think you checked the wrong box #HonoraryLatino
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) April 6, 2015
"It's unclear where the paperwork error was made," said Bush spokeswoman Kristy Campbell in a statement. "The Governor's family certainly got a good laugh out of it. He is not Hispanic."
Bush is likely to appeal to Hispanic voters should he run for the White House. He has taken a more moderate position on immigration and speaks fluent Spanish.
He is expected to launch a presidential campaign in the coming months. Though he is courting donors and powerful supporters, he has not said when he plans to announce his intentions.
— This report was updated at 10:58 a.m.