Texans who have run for president over the last 7 decades
February 24, 2023 GMTNo current or former Texas politician has announced a campaign for the 2024 presidential race. If that trend holds, it would be the first time since 1972 — and just the second time since 1952 — that a Texan hasn't competed in a presidential primary or been on a major party's White House ticket.
From sensation to struggles: Dem stars Abrams, O’Rourke fade
November 10, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Stacey Abrams and Beto O'Rourke catapulted to Democratic stardom in 2018 by defying expectations and nearly pulling off upsets in Georgia and Texas.
Uvalde families make last push for shakeup on Election Day
October 28, 2022 GMTUVALDE, Texas (AP) — Just hours after voting started in Texas, Kimberly Rubio cast her ballot in the same Uvalde city building where she waited in May to learn that her daughter, Lexi, was one of 19 fourth-graders fatally shot at Robb Elementary School.
Texas governor’s race surpasses $100M in money raised
October 11, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas governor's race on Tuesday surpassed $100 million in total money raised this year by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke with still weeks to go in one of the most expensive contests of November's midterm elections.
High stakes for O’Rourke in Texas governor’s debate Friday
September 29, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Beto O'Rourke spent his 50th birthday this week behind the wheel of his pickup in Texas, fast approaching a big moment in his uphill climb for governor.
Beto O’Rourke resuming campaign stops in Texas after illness
August 31, 2022 GMTEL PASO, Texas (AP) — Democrat Beto O'Rourke said Wednesday that he will resume campaigning in his race for Texas governor after pausing his schedule last weekend and canceling events because of an unspecified bacterial infection.
Beto O’Rourke responds to heckler over Uvalde with expletive
August 11, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Democrat Beto O'Rourke responded to a heckler at a campaign stop with an expletive after the Texas gubernatorial candidate heard a cackled laugh while criticizing the ease with which the Uvalde elementary school gunman legally purchased an AR-15-style rifle.
O’Rourke’s campaign for Texas governor outraises Abbott
July 15, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Democrat Beto O'Rourke on Friday reported raising nearly $32 million in his bid for Texas governor during the first half of 2022, more than Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and a haul that puts their race on track to smash spending records in November's midterm elections.
O’Rourke bets shooting will shake up Texas governor’s race
May 30, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Still mourning a Texas mass shooting, Democrat Beto O'Rourke gave his long-shot campaign a jolt by imploring a national audience that it was finally time for real action to curb the proliferation of high-powered guns in his home state and across America.
Beto O’Rourke interrupts briefing, echoing US debate on guns
May 26, 2022 GMTUVALDE, Texas (AP) — Surrounded by fellow Republicans on a high school stage, Gov. Greg Abbott was wrapping up his opening remarks about the killing of school children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas, when Beto O'Rourke strode forward from his seat in the audience.
Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke tests positive for COVID-19
April 25, 2022 GMTEL PASO, Texas (AP) — Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic nominee for governor in Texas, said Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
The former congressman and presidential candidate said he was experiencing mild symptoms and is fully vaccinated and boosted.
Oil billionaire GOP donor sues Beto O’Rourke for defamation
March 7, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas oil pipeline billionaire is suing Beto O'Rourke for defamation after the Democrat criticized his $1 million donation to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's campaign following last year's deadly winter blackout.
O’Rourke to release book on voting during Texas governor bid
February 24, 2022 GMTEL PASO, Texas (AP) — Former presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke has a book coming out in the middle of his run for Texas governor about voting rights, an issue he has made a centerpiece of his campaign.
Millions of dollars pour early into Texas governor’s race
January 18, 2022 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Money is pouring fast into the Texas governor's race headlined by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democrat Beto O'Rourke, who both reported massive early fundraising hauls Monday that puts the campaign on an accelerated track to become one of the nation's most expensive in 2022.
Matthew McConaughey won’t run for Texas governor in 2022
November 29, 2021 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Actor Matthew McConaughey isn't running for Texas governor after months of publicly flirting with the idea of becoming the latest celebrity candidate.
O’Rourke raises $2M in first day of Texas governor campaign
November 17, 2021 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Democrat Beto O'Rourke said Wednesday he raised more than $2 million after announcing his campaign for Texas governor, showing an ability to still quickly pile up cash after coming off failed runs for the U.S.
Democrat Michelle Beckley running for lieutenant governor
November 16, 2021 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Democrat Michelle Beckley, a state representative and one of the more liberal members of the Texas House, said Tuesday she is running for lieutenant governor in 2022.
Her announcement comes a day after Beto O'Rourke jumped in the governor's race, giving Texas Democrats a national figure and prolific fundraiser atop their ticket.
Democrat Beto O’Rourke running for Texas governor in 2022
November 15, 2021 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Democrat Beto O’Rourke is running for governor of Texas, pursuing a blue breakthrough in America’s biggest red state after his star-making U.S. Senate campaign in 2018 put him closer than anyone else in decades.
Missouri House passes ban on enforcement of federal gun laws
February 4, 2021 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House on Thursday passed a bill to ban local police from enforcing federal gun laws, an effort to stymie implementation of any new federal gun restrictions enacted under Democratic President Joe Biden...
Republican Lauren Boebert wins bitter Colorado House race
November 4, 2020 GMTDENVER (AP) — Republican businesswoman Lauren Boebert, a political newcomer and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, defeated Democrat and former state lawmaker Diane Mitsch in a hard-fought race for a rural Colorado U.S.
The Latest: Joe Biden wins Democratic primary in Texas
March 4, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The latest on the Democratic presidential primary and Super Tuesday (all times local):...
Biden wins Texas primary in resounding Super Tuesday finish
March 3, 2020 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Joe Biden ended a triumphant Super Tuesday with a narrow victory over Bernie Sanders in Texas, the giant red state where Democrats are seeking a rare return to power in 2020...
2020′s first big test? Not Iowa, but a tiny Texas House race
January 18, 2020 GMTKATY, Texas (AP) — Beto O'Rourke is livestreaming again. Joe Biden and Julián Castro are making their presence felt...
The Latest: Trump cites impeachment in Miss. campaign pitch
November 2, 2019 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump campaigning in Mississippi (all times local):
10 p.m.
President Donald Trump is citing the House impeachment inquiry as a reason that voters in Mississippi should vote for a Republican candidate for governor.
In gun buyback talk, how do you round up so many weapons?
September 22, 2019 GMTDemocratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke's recent vow to take away people's AR-15 and AK-47 rifles raised one big question: How is it possible to round up the millions of such guns that exist in the United States...
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week
September 20, 2019 GMTA roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these is legit, even though they were shared widely on social media...
Coming for your AR-15? O’Rourke scrambles Dems’ gun message
September 14, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Beto O'Rourke's "hell yes" moment at the Democrats' presidential debate is scrambling his party's message on guns...
NRA board gathers for meeting at crucial time for gun debate
September 13, 2019 GMTWith the country at a critical juncture in the gun debate, a normally routine meeting of the National Rifle Association has taken on greater significance as its board of directors gathers near the nation's capital this week...
GOP lawmaker criticized over gun tweet about O’Rourke
September 13, 2019 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Republican Texas lawmaker tweeting he had an assault rifle "ready" for Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke drew criticism Friday for the apparent threat amid heightened tensions over guns after two mass shootings in the state...
Debate highlights importance of HBCUs in Democratic politics
September 13, 2019 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — Thursday's presidential debate wasn't just an opportunity for the leading Democratic candidates to make their case to voters...
O’Rourke bets on new approach to revive flagging campaign
September 12, 2019 GMTKEENE, N.H. (AP) — Beto O'Rourke was back at Keene State College, but the large crowd that flocked to see him six months ago was not...
False claims blur line between mass shootings, 2020 politics
September 5, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Minutes after media outlets identified the gunman who killed seven people in West Texas, a Twitter account that may be automated began spreading baseless information linking the shooter to Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke...
O’Rourke campaign ejects Breitbart reporter from speech
August 29, 2019 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Beto O'Rourke's presidential campaign said Wednesday that it ejected a Breitbart News reporter from an event at a South Carolina college because it wanted to ensure that students felt "comfortable and safe...
Beto O’Rourke will appear Tuesday in Florence
August 25, 2019 GMTFLORENCE, S.C. – Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rouke of Texas will become the next Democratic presidential candidate to visit Florence.
O’Rouke will appear at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Seminar Brewing. according to a news release issued by the campaign.
Democrats flock to Kander’s veterans nonprofit
August 24, 2019 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Democrat Jason Kander's job running a nonprofit for homeless veterans has made the Kansas City site a campaign stop for three presidential hopefuls, with more likely to visit...
The Latest: Video shows Trump joking about crowd sizes
August 8, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump's visit to Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas (all times local):
El Paso shooting offers O’Rourke a real-time political test
August 4, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Beto O'Rourke, his once-soaring presidential prospects in swift decline, returned to El Paso, Texas, to try to help cope with the shootings that killed 20 people. He no longer has the platform of a public office, but he still has his voice.
AP FACT CHECK: Off notes from Democrats on climate, economy
July 31, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential contenders struck off notes on the science of global warming and the state of the economy in their Detroit debate Tuesday night...
Outwit, outlast, outplay: What to watch at Democratic debate
July 30, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Last month's presidential debate offered voters an introduction to the Democratic field...
O’Rourke raises just $3.6M, a big drop from last quarter
July 16, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Beto O'Rourke raised just $3.6 million in the second quarter, a dramatic drop that places him among a growing group of Democratic presidential hopefuls who are struggling to raise the cash needed for a credible White House run...
Rich father-in-law has helped, complicated O’Rourke’s career
July 6, 2019 GMTEL PASO, Texas (AP) — Beto O'Rourke was running for the El Paso City Council in 2005 when he asked to meet with the illustrious real estate investor William Sanders...
O’Rourke visits Mexico, meets turned away US asylum seekers
June 30, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke visited Mexico on Sunday and listened to tearful immigrants say they fled Central American violence and turmoil to seek asylum in the U...
Democrats’ use of Spanish in debate evokes praise, eye rolls
June 27, 2019 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke answered a question about marginal tax rates in Spanish...
Democrats favor more access to capital for black businesses
June 16, 2019 GMTCHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Four Democrats vying for their party's presidential nomination honed in on the economic concerns of the black community during a forum Saturday in South Carolina, a state where nonwhite voters will play a major role in next year's primary election...
O’Rourke: White Americans don’t know full story of slavery
June 15, 2019 GMTBEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) — Beto O'Rourke took a path somewhat less traveled on Friday, meeting with a small group representing a community of slave descendants in South Carolina as he strives to make connections with the black voters who will play a dominant role in next year's Southern presidential primaries...
Debate lineups: Biden, Sanders on 2nd night, Warren on 1st
June 15, 2019 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — NBC set the lineup for its two-night debate of 2020 presidential contenders later this month, with a top-heavy second session that will pit former Vice President Joe Biden onstage against 2016 Democratic runner-up, Bernie Sanders, the youthful Mayor Pete Buttigieg and California Sen...
Younger 2020 candidates hint at age divide in hitting Biden
June 14, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Some of the younger candidates in the crowded Democratic presidential primary are suggesting that the early front-runner, 76-year-old Joe Biden , is too mired in the past.
Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows
June 8, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Guest lineups for the Sunday TV news shows:
The Latest: O’Rourke tours Oklahoma flood damage
June 3, 2019 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Latest on flooding in the U.S. (all times local):
2020 Dem primary calendar may boost Hispanic voter clout
May 25, 2019 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — How to pronounce Beto O'Rourke's first name — "Is it BET-oh or BAY-toe?" — is debated nearly everywhere the 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful goes in Iowa...
Texas transgender woman who was beaten in video found dead
May 20, 2019 GMTDALLAS (AP) — A transgender woman was found slain in a Dallas street over the weekend, authorities said, a month after a cellphone video showed her being brutally beaten in a separate case police said they investigated as a hate crime...
Beto O’Rourke plans ‘reintroduction’ as 2020 buzz fizzles
May 11, 2019 GMTNEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Beto O'Rourke barreled into the 2020 presidential race with breakneck energy and a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants campaign style that saw him leap atop tables to address overflow crowds with the organic, off-the-cuff candor that had made him a Texas sensation...
Home state politics complicate message for some 2020 Dems
May 5, 2019 GMTNASHUA, N.H. (AP) — Democrat Beto O'Rourke uses his home state as a cautionary tale, ticking through Texas' Republican-backed policies as warning flags for the rest of the country...
Democrats face setbacks in recruiting top Senate candidates
May 1, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats are stinging from a trio of high-profile failures to recruit candidates who could help reclaim the majority, including YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke on Monday announced his first major policy initiative, a $5 trillion plan to combat climate change that he says will keep the Earth from sliding past the point of no return in less than a generation...Beto O’Rourke unveils climate plan with Yosemite as backdrop
April 30, 2019 GMT
Nominate a woman? Some Democratic women aren’t so sure
April 28, 2019 GMTTIPTON, Iowa (AP) — Iowa voters sent a record number of women to the Legislature during last year's midterms...
White presidential hopefuls face ‘woke litmus test’ on race
April 24, 2019 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — After touring the National Lynching Memorial recently, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper spoke of the "shame" he felt that some white people "kind of looked the other way during these lynching incidents...
Castro’s sluggish 2020 start tests strategy for high office
April 24, 2019 GMTSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Julián Castro's run for president followed a fast rise in the Democratic Party: a big-city Latino mayor of San Antonio at age 34, an Obama Cabinet member and a contender for Hillary Clinton's running mate in 2016.
Democrats raise $75M so far, signaling a drawn-out fight
April 16, 2019 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential candidates raised about $75 million during the first quarter of the 2020 election, a lackluster sum spread out across more than a dozen campaigns that signals a drawn-out battle likely lies ahead...