Former U.S. Rep. and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke is considering a run for governor of Texas, although he has not formally mobilized a campaign or set a timeline, the AP reports.
Why it matters: O'Rourke would bring name recognition and the ability to quickly leverage a fundraising apparatus if he entered a race against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022. It would be his third election cycle in a row as a candidate, after challenging Ted Cruz in the Senate in 2018 and following his presidential bid in 2020.
- O'Rourke has talked about voting rights prominently on the stump, as Texas Republicans have worked to impose new laws that would limit access to the polls.
Flashback: He previously said he couldn't imagine running for public office again if he lost the Democratic presidential nomination.
What to watch: O'Rourke may have alienated voters in Texas with liberal policies endorsed during his White House run, and would face a stiff task in unseating Abbott, who also has plenty funds.
- But the former representative"relishes the role of underdog" after his rapid political rise saw him nearly upset Cruz in 2018, the AP notes.
Go deeper: Matthew McConaughey leads Abbott in Texas governor's race poll