Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke is reportedly planning a solo road trip that will take him out of the Lone Star State — but not to any early-nominating states.
O’Rourke has asked aides to map out a speaking tour for him, so he can “pop into places” like college campuses, according to the Wall Street Journal. The three-term ex-congressman from El Paso will likely not be accompanied by staff or the press, instead relying on social media to document his journey.
[Read: 45 Democrats jostling to challenge Trump in 2020]
The move comes as O’Rourke, who lost his 2018 race against Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz to represent Texas in the Senate, considers running for president. The Journal reported on Monday his decision regarding whether to contest the Democratic presidential nomination won’t come until at least February.
While O’Rourke has remained quiet publicly about his intentions ahead of 2020, he reportedly met last month with former President Barack Obama.
While the 46-year-old musician and former businessman takes his time to weigh his options, supporters hopeful that O’Rourke will declare have already begun fundraising and laying the groundwork for a national campaign. The “Draft Beto” group this week reportedly hired top political operatives in the crucial states of South Carolina and Nevada.
