Close Texas loss may not dim O'Rourke's political star
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Beto O'Rourke didn't sound like someone giving a farewell speech after losing a Senate race in deep-red Texas by less than 3 points. If anything, the Democrat's concession to Republican Ted Cruz was a signal that voters could be hearing a lot more from him.
The El Paso congressman shattered fundraising records while becoming a national sensation as he staged an ultimately unsuccessful challenge of the Republican incumbent. His energetic campaign fueled speculation for months that O'Rourke could use an upset win, or even a close loss, to launch a 2020 presidential bid.