Beto O'Rourke is throwing his hat into the 2020 presidential race.
The former U.S. congressman from Texas released an official announcement video Thursday morning, one day after he confirmed to an El Paso TV station that he's seeking the Democratic nomination.
"This is a defining moment of truth for this country and for every single one of us. The challenges that we face right now, the interconnected crises in our economy, our democracy, and our climate have never been greater," O'Rourke said in the announcement.
O'Rourke was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and served three terms in office. Last year, he unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in the midterm elections.
Multiple outlets report O'Rourke's entry into the 2020 race was widely expected — especially after he led a counter-rally in Texas last month across the street from where President Donald Trump was holding a rally of his own.
O'Rourke is the 15th Democrat to enter the race. The field of candidates includes multiple U.S. lawmakers, including Sens. Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
