Beto O’Rourke May Run for Texas Gov in 2022 and Try to Take out Greg Abbott

BY Todd Neikirk May 24, 2021

It’s been a very long time since a Democrat won a major race in the state of Texas. There are congresspeople, sure, but senate seats and the governorship have been out of reach. But the demographics are rapidly changing in the state and Democrats have high hopes.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 27: Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke speaks at the National Forum on Wages and Working People: Creating an Economy That Works for All at Enclave on April 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Six of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates are attending the forum, held by the Service Employees International Union and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, to share their economic policies. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Beto O’Rourke came as close as anyone to winning a major seat in the Lone Star state. Back in 2018, he lost to embattled senator Ted Cruz by less than 3%. And O’Rourke could challenge a Republican again in 2022, this time Governor Greg Abbott.

According to the Associated Press, “A top aide to the former Texas congressman and presidential candidate said O’Rouke, 48, has not ruled out challenging Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022 but has taken no formal steps toward a campaign, like calling donors or recruiting staff.”

If he does run, O’Rourke will certainly hammer Abbott on his recent performance during a winter storm in Texas that left millions out of power for days. “I think it’s clear to everyone that we should be doing far better,” the Democrat said at the time. “These jokers can’t even keep the lights on, or the heat on, or the the water on when the temperature drops. Now they want to take away our election?”

O’Rourke has yet to make an official decision on making a run in 2022. One could come in the upcoming months, though.