Former Senate Hopeful Beto O'Rourke Considering Bid for Governor

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso) is reportedly considering making a bid to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022.

O’Rourke told El Paso radio station KLAQ this week that he considering taking on Abbott in Texas’ upcoming election for governor.

“You know what, it’s something I’m going to think about,” O’Rourke said.

The interview was also put on social media by O’Rourke’s PAC, Powered by People. This is also the first public indication by O’Rourke regarding a bid for office since his unsuccessful campaign for president in 2019.

O’Rourke is perhaps best known by Texas voters for his campaign to challenge Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. In that race, the El Paso Democrat won 48 percent of the vote against Cruz’s 51 percent.

As of this writing, Abbott has already drawn two opponents — both of whom are Republicans. Stand up comedian and talk show host Chad Prather and Rusk City Councilman Martin Holsome have both launched bids to challenge Abbott in 2022. No Democrats have publicly announced bids, thus far.