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It's Official, Beto O'Rourke Confirms He Is Running For President In 2020

Updated September 5, 2021

Beto O'Rourke is a name that many people wouldn't have recognized even two years ago. His sudden meteoric rise has stunned the nation and things are about to get even more interesting.

Beto is going to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020, and it's finally official.

Beto exploded onto the national political stage during the 2018 midterm elections, nearly beating Ted Cruz for the Texas Senate seat.

No one thought that he could actually challenge Ted's incumbent status, but Beto definitely gave him a run for his money.

Beto came within 3 percentage points of Ted, amassing over 4 million votes.

Vox

Even though Beto lost his bid to claim the Texas Senate seat, he has his eyes set on a more prominent opponent, Donald J. Trump.

Beto made it official today, surprisingly enough, in a text message sent to El Paso TV station KTSM.

Getty Images | Chip Somodevilla

KTSM is reporting the contents of that text message for the world to see. It read, "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."

The news comes after he appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair with a bold statement preempting the text confirming his run.

Beto told Vanity Fair that, "I want to be in it. Man, I'm just born to be in it."

Beto joins an already massive list of Democratic contenders for President running in 2020.

Leading the pack are Senators Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris. While the lineup seems pretty fierce, the nation is on pins and needles anxiously awaiting former Vice President Joe Biden's announcement.