SAN ANTONIO -- Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, announced his candidacy for President of the United States as “Julián for the Future” on Saturday morning.
- Family, supporters and community leaders gathered in Plaza Guadalupe
- Rode number 68 bus with brother and Congressman Joaquin Castro
- Campaign leadership team announced
The campaign slogan was revealed as “One Nation. One Destiny.” Secretary Castro made his announcement in his hometown neighborhood, the westside of San Antonio, surrounded by a large crowd of family and supporters in Plaza Guadalupe.
Secretary Castro rode the number 68 San Antonio public bus to the plaza. It was the same bus he and his twin brother, Congressman Joaquin Castro rode to school as children.
Local members of the community spoke on how Castro’s initiatives positively impacted them, including local mother of three, Sandra Conteras, who spoke on the opportunity of her three children attending PreK4SA.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Bexar County Judge Wolff and Councilwoman Ana Sandoval were amongst the crowd on-stage.
Secretary Castro was introduced by his mother, Ms. Rosie Castro, a noted political activist.
“The cornerstone of prosperity and opportunity has always been community and this community has raised up Julian and Joaquin and we really thank you for that,” Mrs. Castro said.
Announcing his candidacy, Secretary Castro made remarks in both English and Spanish.
“When my grandmother got here almost a hundred years ago, I’m sure she never could have imagined that just two generations later, one of her grandsons would be serving as a member of the United States Congress and the other would be standing with you here today to say these words: I am a candidate for President of the United States of America.”
The campaign also announced senior leadership and staff, and the initial travel schedule. The senior staff reflects Secretary Castro’s longstanding commitment to fostering emerging progressive leaders.
Secretary Castro’s first trip as a candidate will be to Puerto Rico, where he will deliver an address to the Latino Victory Fund and visit local residents still struggling with ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, American citizens the federal government has abandoned. He then returns to New Hampshire for the Politics & Eggs program on January 16.
Castro’s Campaign leadership include:
- Rep. Joaquin Castro, Campaign Chairman
- Maya Rupert, Campaign Manager
- Derek Eadon, Deputy Campaign Manager
- Jennifer Fiore, Senior Advisor for Communications and Digital
- Scott Atlas, Finance Chairman