White House 2020: Democrats Julian Castro and Tulsi Gabbard Announce Presidential Bid

Democrats Julian Castro and Tulsi Gabbard have announced that they will challenge for the US presidency in 2020.

Julian Castro launched his campaign on January 12, and Tulsi Gabbard has said she will make a formal announcement within a week.

The ex-Obama Housing Chief is expected to be the only Latino in the race, and Tulsi Gabbard is the first Hindu member of Congress.

Both enter what could be a crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge President Donald Trump.

Until now only former congressman John Delaney has formally launched a campaign, more than a year ago.

However, Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren announced last month she was setting up an exploratory committee to consider a run.

Julian Castro, 44, made his announcement in his home town of San Antonio, Texas, where he was mayor from 2009 to 2014.

Long seen as a rising star in the party, Julian Castro served as housing secretary under President Barack Obama and was on the list of Hillary Clinton’s potential running mates for the 2016 election.

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Having a Mexican grandmother, he has used his background to criticize Donald Trump’s calls to build a wall to keep out migrants from Latin America.

Launching his bid under the slogan “One nation, one destiny”, Julian Castro said: “We say no to the construction of the wall and yes to the construction of communities.”

Julian Castro said his grandmother would have been amazed at his success and that of his brother Joaquin, a member of the US Congress.

Analysts say Julian Castro does not have widespread name recognition and may struggle to make an impression in a crowded field.