Former President Barack Obama’s former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro launched a presidential exploratory committee to decide whether to run on the Democratic ticket in 2020.
“I know where I’m leaning, for sure,” Castro told the Associated Press.
Castro, the grandson of a Mexican immigrant, will announce his decision on Jan. 12.
He said the Latino community has been treated “like a pinata” by the Trump administration.
The creation of the committee allows Castro to begin fundraising for a potential campaign. It also gives him a heads up on the competition as the first nationally known Democrat to announce he is serious about running.
The 44-year-old former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, was on the campaign trail ahead of the midterms helping fellow Democrats in tight House and Senate races.
In October, he told the Rolling Stone he would make a final decision after November.
He also released a memoir in October, “An Unlikely Journey: Waking up from my American Dream.”
Castro, who was considered for Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016, launched the Opportunity First PAC earlier this year. He said President Trump’s first year in office partially contributed to his desire to run for commander in chief.
To date, Rep. John Delaney of Maryland is the only Democrat to have formally declared his 2020 presidential campaign. Trump has said he plans to run for re-election.
Other possible contenders include Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, and outgoing Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas.
O’Rourke unsuccessfully challenged Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November. Castro attended his election night party.
Castro’s twin brother, Joaquin, is a Democratic congressman in Texas.
