A former member of Barack Obama’s Cabinet has joined the 2020 US presidential race.
Julian Castro announced his candidacy as a rush of Democrats made early moves to challenge president Donald Trump.
Officially kicking off his campaign at a rally in his home town of San Antonio, Texas, he told cheering supporters on Saturday: “I'm running for president because it's time for new leadership, because it's time for new energy and it's time for a new commitment to make sure that the opportunities that I've had are available to every American.”
Mr Castro, 44, served as San Antonio mayor for five years, and was a housing secretary in Mr Obama’s Cabinet.
He is only the second Democrat to formally enter the race – after former Maryland Rep John Delaney – but a number of others are expected to follow him.
Sen Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts, has started an exploratory committee for president, while four other Democratic senators are taking steady steps towards running. Hawaii Rep Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to Congress, is also planning a bid.
Meanwhile, Sen Kamala Harris, of California, recently published a memoir – a staple of presidential candidates. Former Texas Rep Beto O'Rourke is doing little to dim speculation that he might jump into a field that has no clear front-runner.
Mr Castro made his announcement less than 200 miles from the US/Mexico border. The impasse over a border wall that Mr Trump made a central promise of his 2016 campaign has led to the longest government shutdown in US history.
Castro is aware he lacks the name recognition of potential 2020 rivals. But he has framed his upbringing – as the grandson of a Mexican immigrant – as the story of an underdog.
