Former Republican Texas congressman Will Hurd announced on Thursday that he’s running for president.
The one-time CIA officer and critic of former President Donald Trump said he’s hoping to be a more moderate alternative for GOP voters.
“We need common sense,” the 45-year-old Hurd said on “CBS Mornings,” where he made his announcement. “I believe the Republican Party can be the party of the future, not the past.”
Hurd, who represented a sprawling district from San Antonio to El Paso along the Texas border from 2015-2021, also released a campaign video.
“Our enemies plot, create chaos, and threaten the American Dream. At home, illegal immigration and fentanyl stream into our country. Inflation, still out of control. Crime and homelessness growing in our cities,” Hurd said in the video.
Hurd was critical of President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic nominee in 2024, in making his announcement.
“President Biden can’t solve these problems — or won’t. And if we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like Donald Trump — who lost the House, the Senate, and the White House — we all know Joe Biden will win again.”
“We also have to articulate a different vision,” he added.
Hurd becomes the highest-profile Texan in the race. Richardson pastor Ryan Binkley, a Republican, announced his 2024 GOP presidential bid in April.
Hurd joins a crowded primary field with Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, radio host Larry Elder, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
Hurd was first elected in 2014 and won re-election in 2016 and 2018. He did not run in 2020. He was replaced by Tony Gonzales, the candidate he endorsed.
In 2016, Hurd called for Trump to drop out of the presidential race after the “Access Hollywood” tapes came to light. He voted against Trump’s first impeachment in 2019.