Texas Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) is in for the race for a U.S. Senate seat.
"I am battle tested. You have seen me in battle, and I am ready today to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate," said West.
A big crowd gathered for his announcement, where West called for 14 years of free public education, universal health care and bipartisanship.
"You have got to remember that I have been in the state senate for 26 years. In fact, I have been a minority in a minority party, but I have been able to get things done by working with people across the aisle," said West.
Sen. John Cornyn's campaign manager John Jackson released a statement Monday, saying," Liberal Royce West supports late-term abortions, high property taxes, and New York-style gun control," adding, "While the Democrat primary is quickly turning into a contest of who can run to the left the fastest, we're building our field operation and adding grassroots supporters. Whoever limps out of the runoff will face a grassroots army motivated to elect John Cornyn and stop Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren's agenda."
The Cornyn campaign also released a video and website after West's announcement.
West joins a crowded field, including combat veteran MJ Hegar, Houston Congressman Chris Bell, and Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards.
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West said he expects the primary to cost betweeen $4 and $5 million.
"I'm not worried about everyone else. I am just overwhelmed about the number of people that showed up here today," said West.
