Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) announced he will be running for governor of Texas in 2022.
O’Rourke tweeted a video announcement, saying, “I’m running for governor. Together, we can push past the small and divisive politics that we see in Texas today — and get back to the big, bold vision that used to define Texas. A Texas big enough for all of us.”
In his video message, O’Rourke argued, “This past February when the electricity grid failed and millions of fellow Texans were without power, which meant that the lights wouldn’t turn on, the heat wouldn’t run, and pretty soon their pipes froze and the water stopped flowing, they were abandoned by those who are elected to serve and look out for them.”
He continued, “It’s a symptom of a much larger problem that we have in Texas right now, those in positions of public trust have stopped listening to, serving and paying attention to and trusting the people of Texas.”
O’Rourke suggested Texas officials are focused on “the kind of extremist policies around abortion or permitless carry or even in our schools that really only divide us and keep us apart and stop us from working together on the truly big things that we want to achieve for one another.
He added, “It’s a really small vision for such a big state, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”
I’m running for governor.
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) November 15, 2021
Together, we can push past the small and divisive politics that we see in Texas today — and get back to the big, bold vision that used to define Texas. A Texas big enough for all of us.
Join us: https://t.co/eMY5wwf6an pic.twitter.com/yrG1WOkpqk
Several reacted to O’Rourke’s announcement, including Texans For Greg Abbott Communications Director Mark Miner.
“From Beto O’Rourke’s reckless calls to defund the police to his dangerous support of the Biden Administration’s pro-open border policies, which have resulted in thousands of fentanyl deaths, Beto O’Rourke has demonstrated he has more in common with President Biden than he does with Texans,” Miner said in a statement.
He defended Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) record, saying he “proudly supports the men and women of law enforcement, has deployed Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel and resources to secure the border, and has created a business climate that has made Texas the economic engine of America.”
Concluding his statement, Miner argued, “The last thing Texans need is President Biden’s radical liberal agenda coming to Texas under the guise of Beto O’Rourke. The contrast for the direction of Texas couldn’t be clearer.”
However, others expressed their support for O’Rourke on Twitter:
Great news!
— Chris Turner (@ChrisGTurner) November 15, 2021
I'm so glad my friend @BetoORourke is running for governor. With Beto's leadership, Texas will be able to do big things again. We will have a government that works for all Texans.
Greg Abbott has repeatedly failed as governor. It's time for a change. #txlege https://t.co/2OXWdiUa4b
Friends please share this compelling video and make a contribution to @BetoORourke today.
— Simon Rosenberg (@SimonWDC) November 15, 2021
Let’s give him the resources he needs to compete in this critical race.
I am fired up and ready to go! https://t.co/6OhjEt7Roa
This is amazing news! I’m thrilled @BetoORourke is running for Governor. He’s such an inspiring, hard working organizer and I can’t wait to see his campaign. https://t.co/cu5XptYSdC
— Jessica Post (@JessicaPost) November 15, 2021
.@BetoORourke is right. Governor Abbott has failed us, and has a vision too small and divisive for our great state.
— Joaquin Castro (@Castro4Congress) November 15, 2021
Let's get to work and vote him out.
Join Beto's campaign: https://t.co/Hs6JybnADI https://t.co/rrHRf6KG68
After the most radical legislative session in recent memory, Texans are calling out for leadership that puts hardworking folks first and is focused on solving the issues we face. I'm glad to see @BetoORourke step up and offer a different vision for our state. https://t.co/z4zHvVgNPt
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) November 15, 2021
O’Rourke previously launched a 2020 presidential bid but dropped out in November of 2019. Additionally, incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) defeated O’Rourke in 2018 in the Senate race in Texas.
