Former Vice President Joe Biden made a major step toward a potential run by hiring Hillary Clinton’s 2016 National Deputy Director of Voter Outreach and Mobilization.
Cristóbal Alex, who previously served as leader of the activist group Latino Victory Fund, tweeted out Tuesday that he was leaving the organization. Politico first reported the move to Biden but did not say what role he would play.
“Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to our nation. I am committed to doing everything in my power to defeat him, and my next steps will reflect that,” Alex said.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez praised Alex in a tweet shortly after the news was announced.
“@CristobalJAlex created an incredible legacy with @latinovictoryus, and it is because of his work and leadership that we now have more Latinx people in office all across this country.”
In recent weeks, Biden has repeatedly signaled that he is about to jump into the race. In February, he told a panel audience in Delaware that his family was urging him to run, a primary factor he has mentioned in the past.
“We just had a family meeting with all the grandkids too, and there’s a consensus: They, the most important people in my life, want me to run,” Biden said at the time.
On Tuesday, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced in a column that he would not be seeking higher office in 2020. Many analysts viewed an overlap between the two prospective candidates’ voter bases, with Bloomberg backing out as a sign that the billionaire knows Biden will announce soon.
Reports also surfaced in February that Biden made job offers to political operates in New Hampshire and South Carolina.
A number of polls in early primary states have shown Biden leading or tied with current Democratic front runner Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
