Julian Castro's nomination to be secretary of housing and urban development has triggered predictions about the San Antonio mayor's political future.
"Certainly this is only the beginning," said Manuel Medina, Bexar County Democratic Party chair. "Hey, we're all excited about 2016 already."
Medina said Castro and former first lady Hillary Clinton, if she runs for president as predicted, would be a winning combination for Democrats and Hispanics.
"Our mayor has led our city to economic prosperity. He has advanced social progress and we know he's ready to lead the country," Medina said.
Henry Cisneros, the former San Antonio mayor who served as HUD secretary during President Bill Clinton's first term, said Castro's vice presidential chances, if it comes to that, have
improved with his nomination Friday.
"He's in a better position this week than he was last week," Cisneros said.
Considered as a possible running mate for Walter Mondale back then, Cisneros said going from mayor to vice president would be difficult.
If confirmed, Castro would only serve as HUD secretary during the final two years of President Obama's term.
Still, Cisneros said this is a good time to serve in that capacity now that the U.S. is becoming an urban country, with 65 percent of the population living in 100 of the largest cities.
"On the critical questions that are HUD's principal business, homelessness, housing production, public housing, San Antonio has a very good record," Cisneros said.
He said Castro will bring that experience to the Cabinet post.
Cisneros said, "He can say, ‘I know we can do this because we've done it in San Antonio.'"
Dr. David Crockett, chair of the political science department at Trinity University, said Castro will be earning his "fed cred," raising his national profile.
Crockett said it would good experience for Castro to "be in the mix" for higher office.
He also said Castro has another 30 years left in his political career.
"So why not get some diverse experience and see how fortune smiles upon you as the years go by," Crockett said.