Democrat Julian Castro to make announcement on 2020 presidential bid
Former Secretary of Housing Julian Castro will announce whether he is making a bid in the 2020 US presidential election today.
Mr Castro is among many other Democrats who are considering running, capitalising on the “blue-wave” which carried the left to retake the House in last year’s midterm elections. Prominent Senator Elizabeth Warren has essentially announced her candidacy already. Others, such as Senators Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders and Kirsten Gillibrand, will likely make final decisions in the coming months.
With the chance of taking down President Trump, Castro—descendent of Mexican immigrants—is likely to announce his candidacy today. Getting into the race early would give him name recognition in a crowded race, kickstarting donations. His policies include higher taxes on the wealthy and stronger LGBT and immigrant rights.
The democratic party has been pushed further left in recent years by prominent liberal candidates such as Sanders. While a far-left 2020 candidate will likely re-energise the party’s base, expect them to also alienate the centre. It is uncertain whether such a trade-off would hurt or help Democrats’ chances of election, though the first democratic debate in June will likely give a clearer picture.
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