Joaquin Castro Will Not Challenge Ted Cruz for Senate in 2018

WASHINGTON - San Antonio Rep. Joaquin Castro will not run for the Senate in 2018, likely clearing the deck for another rising Texas Democrat, Rep. Beto O'Rourke, to take on Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz.The decision, first reported by the San Antonio Express-News, ends months of speculation about the next move for Castro, whose twin brother, Julian, is the former U.S. housing secretary and former San Antonio mayor.Castro, in an email to supporters, wrote on Monday that he had heard from Texans who "want a senator who will stand up for their families, not stand down to Donald Trump." But he said he could "best continue that work by focusing" on his duties in the House.And though he didn't mention O'Rouke by name, Castro said that he will "keep traveling this state to help any candidate for any office who is willing to stand up for Texas and create a brighter future for all Americans.""Our work is just getting started," he wrote.This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for updates.  Continue reading...