O'Rourke tells Texas TV station he's running
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/13/beto-orourke-iowa-1220465
Beto O’Rourke told a Texas TV station Wednesday that he's running for president, and he's set to make a formal announcement Thursday morning.
“I'm really proud of what El Paso did and what El Paso represents," O'Rourke said in the text to KTSM in El Paso, Texas, according to the news station. "It's a big part of why I'm running. This city is the best example of this country at its best."
The station reported that O’Rourke will formally announce his candidacy on Thursday.
O'Rourke's intention to enter the race has become increasingly clear in recent days and weeks. He has begun quietly reaching out to state Democrats in advance of his first trip to Iowa as a presumptive presidential candidate, personally calling high-profile figures in Iowa, including former Gov. Tom Vilsack, according to two sources familiar with his calls.
On Wednesday, top O’Rourke supporters were alerted to prepare to text or email their own donor networks links to contribute to the campaign once he announces his 2020 bid, a source familiar with the effort told POLITICO.
O’Rourke is expected to arrive in Iowa on Thursday, where he will be assisted by Norm Sterzenbach, a former executive director of the Iowa Democratic Party who recently began organizing O’Rourke’s trip.