Democrat rising star Beto O’Rourke has confirmed that he is running for president in 2020.
The former Texas congressman sent a text message to El Paso TV station KTSM on Wednesday afternoon announcing he will seek the Democratic presidential nomination.
He wrote: "I'm really proud of what El Paso did and what El Paso represents. It's a big part of why I'm running. This city is the best example of this country at its best."
Mr O'Rourke was little-known outside his west Texan hometown until he challenged Republican Senator Ted Cruz last year.
He got within three percentage points of upsetting Mr Cruz in the nation's largest red state and shattered national fundraising records while using grassroots organising and social media savvy to mobilise young voters and minorities.
The 46-year-old fuelled speculation that he would join the race after announcing a three-day series of events in Iowa starting on Thursday.
Oprah Winfrey, who endorsed Barack Obama’s run in 2008, was thought to have “practically begged” Mr O’Rourke to run in February.
Mr O’Rourke joins a wide field of Democrats also vying for the nomination.
Returning candidate Bernie Sanders, Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Cory Booker, former Maryland Representative John Delaney and Representative Tulsi Gabbard are front-runners for the candidacy.
Former Governor John Hickenlooper, Governor Jay Inslee, Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro, author Marianne Williamson and businessman Andrew Yang have also confirmed they are in the race.
Barack Obama’s former Vice President Joe Biden is also thought to be considering a campaign.
