Julian Castro has thrown his hat into the ring for 2020 (Image: GETTY)
It's time for a new commitment to make sure that the opportunities I've had are available for every American
Julian Castro
Mr Castro, 44, the grandson of a Mexican immigrant who would be the first Hispanic elected president, served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development under former President Barack Obama and has long been viewed as a rising star in the party. He will seek to position himself as a political outsider with liberal credentials. Announcing his candidature, he said: ”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 I've had are available for every American."
One of Mr Castro's first stops as a candidate will take place on Monday in Puerto Rico, still picking up the pieces after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, where he will attend an event hosted by the liberal Latino Victory Fund.
He made his announcement at Plaza Guadalupe, a landmark in San Antonio's sprawling west side Mexican-American barrio, a neighbourhood of neat, brightly painted wood framed homes, many on tiny lots and festooned with white plaster Catholic statues.
In summarising his political positions, Mr Castro endorsed "Medicare for all," which would in effect create a national healthcare plan by allowing anyone to join the public healthcare system.
That policy point is likely to divide Democrats in the primary, with more moderate candidates favouring a less drastic approach.
Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden are also thought to be pondering running in two years' time (Image: GETTY)
He used his launch to repeat support of the Black Lives Matter movement. He spoke about the need to address climate change.
Mr Castro, whose grandmother was born in Mexico, has sought to use his family's personal story to criticise Mr Trump's controversial border policies.
He said:
