Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren is launching an exploratory committee for president as she gears up for a 2020 presidential election bid, she announced in a new video on Monday.
Why it matters: Warren is the first prominent Democratic contender to launch this process.
Between the lines: Warren came under fire in the last couple of months after releasing a DNA test showing she is between 1/64th and 1/1,024th Native American. Per the Associated Press, Warren said in an email to supporters that she'd make a more formal announcement at the beginning of the new year.
Former U.S. housing secretary Julián Castro announced earlier this month that he formed an exploratory committee.
One more thing: The Federal Exchange Commission, which Warren will file paperwork with to establish the committee, is closed due to the government shutdown.
