Congressman Beto O'Rourke is officially challenging Senator Ted Cruz, in 2018.
The El Paso Democrat announced today his intention to challenge Cruz in the 2018 general election. O'Rourke, who has been called a "rising star," has served three terms in the United States House of Representatives, representing District 16. O'Rourke gained national recognition earlier this year when he participated in a road trip with Republican Congressman Will Hurd.
A Democrat has not won a statewide election in Texas, since 1994.