Beto O’Rourke still hasn’t announced his plans for 2020, but it’s looking less likely they include a run against Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn.
Citing people close to the former El Paso congressman, the Dallas Morning News reports that O’Rourke won’t pursue the senate seat next year. Instead, the Democratic rockstar will shortly announce he’s joining the crowded field of candidates angling to take out President Trump.
“Amy and I have made a decision about how we can best serve our country,” O’Rourke said in a statement provided to The Dallas Morning News. “We are excited to share it with everyone soon.”
Speculation on O’Rourke’s next political move has swirled since his 2.6-point loss to incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz in November.
After raising a record war chest and commanding national media attention, many predicted O’Rourke’s eye might next fall on the White House. However, earlier this month, reports arose that he was testing the waters for a potential run against Cornyn.
Recent polls have shown O’Rourke as a potential leader in the pursuit of a Democratic presidential nomination. But he’d be a late entry into the already crowded field, which includes fellow Texan Julián Castro.
Castro, a former San Antonio mayor, has already been making the rounds with potential Lone Star State donors since late last year.
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This article appears in The Arts Issue.
