Axios reports:
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro announced today he’s forming an exploratory committee to run for president in 2020. He will make his final decision about running on Jan. 12, per AP.
This gives Castro an early start for courting donors, potential campaign staffers and media attention. The 44-year-old former San Antonio mayor will have more time to build his name ID and brand, which is crucial if his fellow Texan Beto O’Rourke throws his hat in the ring, too.
Background: An exploratory committee is mostly a formality that allows candidates to start legally raising money before they officially announce their candidacy.
As a kid growing up on the west side of San Antonio, I never thought that I’d one day be making this announcement: https://t.co/2NAIFEsCFh I’m exploring a candidacy for President of the United States in 2020 to renew the promise of this country for all. https://t.co/9jOBdjHcLO
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) December 12, 2018