Endorses Biden

Beto O’Rourke endorses Biden

He joined Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar as converts to the cause.

By RISHIKA DUGYALA

Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, a once 2020 contender, endorsed Joe Biden on Monday night.

O’Rourke gained prominence on the national stage in 2018 when he mounted a challenge to Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and came within 3 points of capturing the seat.

The Texan was one of the many Democratic hopefuls vying for this year’s presidential nomination. Following a mass shooting in El Paso in August, O’Rourke helped push the gun control debate to the left with his proposal for a mandatory buyback of assault weapons. But his campaign stalled. Facing extreme financial strain, he dropped out of the primary last fall.

On Monday, O’Rourke — who has pretty much stayed on the sideline since leaving the race — joined fellow ex-candidates Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar in rallying behind Biden, one day before Super Tuesday. Texas is one of the states voting.

Biden comes off a strong South Carolina victory, where he was buoyed particularly by African American voters. Heading into Tuesday’s primaries, the former vice president is trailing top rival Sen. Bernie Sanders by six pledged delegates.