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Beto O’Rourke says he will seek Democratic nomination for 2020 presidential run

14 March 2019 11:05 (UTC +04:00)

Beto O'Rourke has told a TV station in his home state of Texas that will run for president in 2020, ONA reports citing The Independent.

The 46-year-old who gained a national following with his long-shot election battle against Senator Ted Cruz last year told the KTSM news channel: ”I’m really proud of what El Paso did and what El Paso represents.

“It’s a big part of why I’m running. This city is the best example of this country at its best.”

The former three-term US congressman is expected to formally announce his intention to seek the Democratic nomination later this week.

Mr O’Rourke was a heavy underdog when he challenged Mr Cruz, a Republican in mostly conservative Texas, but he quickly demonstrated an ability to draw capacity crowds and raise money from voters nationwide. His candidacy also generated a torrent of media coverage.

Early opinion polls on the 2020 race have consistently ranked him in the top tier of contenders, behind former vice president Joe Biden, who has not yet said whether he is running, and veteran Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.