Beto begins
Here are 5 places in Houston to watch Beto O'Rourke launch his 2020 campaign
Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke officially jumps into the race for the Democratic nomination for president with a launch rally in El Paso March 30, and individuals and businesses around the state are hosting parties to watch livestreams of his rollout.
O'Rourke, who announced his candidacy on March 14, gained a massive following during his campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018, with highlights that included comments on civil rights and athletes kneeling during the national anthem that went viral, traveling to all of the state's 254 counties, and livestreaming just about every moment of his campaign. O'Rourke also raised a record-breaking $80 million in his race.
It wasn't enough to win, though. The congressman lost by just less than 3 percent of the vote, in a midterm election that drew the highest voter turnout in Texas in almost 50 years. O'Rourke, though, came away with victories in Texas' largest counties, winning 74 percent in Travis County, 66 percent in Dallas County, 59 percent in Bexar County, 58 percent in Harris County, and 50 percent in Tarrant County.
Within 24 hours of announcing his presidential bid, O'Rourke broke another record by raising $6.1 million.
Here are five hot places in Houston to catch O'Rourke's launch rally:
- The Duck Off: 2727 Murworth Dr. at 11 am
- Axelrad: 1517 Alabama St. at 11 am
- The House of Neptune: 3700 Main St., Ste. 4 at 11 am
- Catbirds: 1336 Westheimer Rd. at 11 am
- La Calle Tacos & Cantina: 909 Franklin St. at 11 am
There are numerous other locations around Houston, including many private residences. To find more watch parties, go to O’Rourke’s campaign site here and search by ZIP code.