Former HUD Head Running for President?

Former U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro is fueling speculation that he will seek the Democratic Party’s 2020 presidential nomination.

 

According to a Houston Chronicle report, Castro formed a new Political Action Committee (PAC) called Opportunity First and filed a report with the Federal Election Commission that will enable the PAC to support or oppose candidates for federal office. Castro and his twin brother, Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), were considered as possible challengers to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in next year’s election, but the political siblings have both stated they are not going to challenge Abbott.

 

For Castro, his political options in red state Texas are limited. The former San Antonio mayor was considered as a possible rival to challenge incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in next year’s election, but he not made any indication that he would enter that race. With his new PAC and the level of prominence he gained as HUD chief during President Obama’s second term—his name was floated as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton in last year’s presidential race—Castro has made appearances on behalf of Democratic candidates around the country and is being viewed by many political observers as a player on the national stage rather than within Texas politics.

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