May 24, 2021 - Politics & Policy

AP: Beto O'Rourke considering bid for Texas governor

Orion Rummler

Beto O'Rourke wears a face mask and a baseball cap — Beto O'Rourke at a "Texans Rally For Our Voting Rights" event at the Texas Capitol Building on May 8, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images

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

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AP: Beto O'Rourke considering bid for Texas governor

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