JULIAN CASTRO

You may need an umbrella to get some Dutch Bros.

Federal judge says a measure making it a felony for a deported person to come back to the U.S. has "racist, nativist roots" and discriminates against Mexican and Latinx people.

Because the last one ended so well.

Texas Democrat Julián Castro is joining MSNBC and NBC News as a political analyst.

In what amounts to the highest-profile endorsement of the local ballot measure to strip collective bargaining power from San Antonio's powerful police union, former mayor...

Unlike most people who have held the job, she won't need to be schooled on the history of Native Americans or tribal sovereignty. President Joe Biden has committed to regular and meaningful consultation with tribal nations on federal policies and projects that affect them. The Interior Department has scheduled a series of talks with tribes in March on health, the economy, racial justice and the environment. Biden also vowed to restore the White House Tribal Nations Conference, an annual gathering of tribal leaders that occurred during the Obama administration. Some Native Americans want Mount Rushmore removed, while others want a share in its economic benefits.

"Team AOC is launching relief efforts for Texas starting today," Ocasio-Cortez tweet on Thursday, linking to the fundraising page. "Our first effort is a partnership w/ 5 Texas orgs getting on-the-ground relief to Texans ASAP. Our Texas relief mobilization has already raised $325k for food, housing, elder care & direct relief straight to vulnerable Texans. The congresswoman then gave donors an incentive to give: "I feel like I should do something if we hit $1M in Texas relief. Castro did his own fundraising, surpassing $100,000 for Feeding Texas food banks, he tweeted.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) carries his luggage at the Cancun International Airport before boarding his plane back to the U.S., in Cancun, Mexico February 18, 2021. Images purportedly showing Ted Cruz board a United Airlines Flight to Cancun, Mexico from Houston, TX. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks to the media at the Cancun International Airport before boarding his plane back to the U.S., in Cancun, Mexico February 18, 2021. Images purportedly showing Ted Cruz with Heidi Cruz (circled) board a United Airlines Flight to Cancun, Mexico from Houston, TX. "In the middle of one of the worst crises in Texas history, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz jetted off to Cancun, Mexico.

WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tapped nine of her most trusted allies in the House to argue the case for President Donald Trump’s impeachment. Pelosi hasn’t yet said when she will send the article of impeachment to the Senate. Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, another manager, says the nine prosecutors plan to present a serious case and “finish the job” that the House started. REP. TED LIEU, CALIFORNIALieu, who authored the article of impeachment with Cicilline and Raskin, is on the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs panels. She is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee, and is a former lawyer and member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)As President Donald Trump heads to the South Texas border to tout the construction of a border wall, Texas Democrat Julián Castro will also speak at a counter-rally on Tuesday afternoon in the Rio Grande Valley. Trump will celebrate one of the pillars of his presidency — his campaign against illegal immigration — amid the backdrop of a second possible impeachment. Five people died, including a police officer, during the deadly insurrection to attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Trump faces a charge of “incitement of insurrection” in an impeachment resolution that the House will begin debating Wednesday. Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is among the Democrats who have called for Trump’s removal.

San Antonio native and former presidential candidate Julian Castro is going live on Instagram immediately after President-elect Joe Biden’s address to the nation to discuss all of Saturday’s election happenings. You can watch the Instagram live event here. I’ll be live on Instagram immediately after @JoeBiden’s address, reflecting on this historic, hopeful, and joyous day. You can watch Castro’s Instagram live video here or above in the embedded video. RELATED: Joe Biden wins race for U.S. presidency against President Donald Trump

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio, a majority Hispanic city, has the fourth-largest Latino population in the United States. From chefs and political stars to entertainers, athletes and personalities bigger than the North Star Mall boots, here’s a look at 25 influential Latinos in San Antonio, in no particular order. Marina Gonzales: The former CEO of Child Advocates San Antonio is now the new president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her resume also includes serving as the Chief of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Division at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and now is the 2020 Chairwoman for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Erika Prosper Nirenberg: Currently the first lady of San Antonio, Nirenberg has blazed her own path here in San Antonio and is influential to many.

In this image from video, former Georgia House Democratic leader Stacey Abrams, center, and others, speak during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)Sustaining energy through four days of a political convention is never easy. On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, party leaders tried to blend its past with its future. Here are key takeaways from night two. But the 2020 Democratic convention is notable for the consistency of dire warnings about the other partys leader.

In this image from video, people from across the U.S. sing the National Anthem during the first night of the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)LAS VEGAS The pageantry often associated with presidential conventions will be remade again as Democrats gather virtually for a second day. The roll call vote of state delegations, which typically unfolds over several hours of fanfare, will instead be abbreviated Tuesday. BUT FIRST, BILLA speech from Bill Clinton is among the traditions that Democrats are including in Tuesday nights programming. The roll call will go alphabetically through the 57 states, territories and the Democrats Abroad delegation, meaning Alabama will lead off.

As Democrats gather virtually this week to nominate Joe Biden for the presidency, party leaders and activists across the political spectrum agree on one unifying force: their desire to defeat President Donald Trump. Taylor nodded at Bidens pick of Kamala Harris as his running mate, the first Black woman on a major party's ticket. Despite Biden's five decades at the core of the Democratic Party, he's not a natural fit for every faction in 2020. Perez called Biden an ideal figure to tie disparate factions together with Trump as the opponent. Democrats won the House majority in 2018 largely on the strength of more moderate nominees running in suburban and exurban swing districts.

Join The Texas Tribune at noon CT July 15 for a discussion with former Democratic presidential candidate Julin Castro and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, moderated by Tribune CEO Evan Smith. We will be asking the brothers about the recent surge of coronavirus cases in Texas, the federal and state response to the growing outbreak and what it means for Texans and for the Texas economy. In recent weeks, the number of reported coronavirus cases in Texas has reached record levels. He is chair of the Texas Democratic Caucus. Castro started the political action committee Opportunity First and has taught at the University of Texas at Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, in Brownsville in 2018. "If we'd had a better federal response and state response, perhaps we would have already been around the quarter on this," Julin Castro said. Joaquin Castro said the number of beds, hospitals, and infections could have also been significantly reduced. "We're not saying that there would have been no consequences," Joaquin Castro said. All of the money that has been used is been money that's come from the federal government," Joaquin Castro said.

President Donald Trump listens as Robert Unanue, of Goya Foods, speaks during a roundtable meeting with Hispanic leaders in the Cabinet Room, Thursday, July 9, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)NEW YORK Goya Foods is facing a swift backlash after its CEO praised President Donald Trump at White House event. Robert Unanue, a grandson and now Goya CEO, spoke at a Rose Garden event announcing a Hispanic Prosperity Initiative on Thursday. We all truly blessed, at the same time, to have have a leader like President Trump who is a builder, Unanue said standing at a podium beside Trump. On Wednesday, he welcomed President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador to the White House with lofty language, calling Mexico a cherished partner.

SAN ANTONIO – Hundreds gathered Thursday for a town hall for Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren at Sunset Station. Warren was welcomed to the stage by former rival Julian Castro, who showed his support for Warren after he dropped out of the presidential race. WATCH: Elizabeth Warren talks 2020 with KSAT 12’s Steve Spriester in San AntonioWarren spoke about her plans and answered questions touching on issues such as wealth tax, Supreme Court nominations and immigration. Supporters and protesters sounded off during the town hall. Watch KSAT City Hall reporter Garrett Brngr’s story on what they had to say in the video player above.

click to enlarge Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia CommonsJulin Castro led the Pre-K4SA initiative when he was mayor of San Antonio. However, a city insider familiardecision said proponentswant to conductPre-K vote freefrom the clutter of the November ballot. In addition to the presidential election, voters then will be deciding on a school bond and new VIA Metropolitan Transit funding. Stay on top of San Antonio news and views. San Antonio City Council will vote next week to schedule a May 2 election to renew Pre-K 4 SA, the city's popularwith thetheSan Antonio voters first approved the launch Pre-K 4 SA in 2012, making all-day pre-K available for all qualifying children in the city.

Gates, meanwhile, received the support of Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott and partially self-funded his campaign, pouring about $1.5 million of his own money into the race. "Win or lose in this district, there's a clear path to a Democratic majority in November in the Texas State House." After Gates' win in House District 28, and Democratic wins in House District 100 and 148, the state House remains nine seats away from flipping. On Monday, the Texas Democratic Party and Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee unveiled a list of 22 state House seat targets, all of which had single-digit margins in the 2018 midterm elections. The Republican State Leadership Committee launched their "Right Lines 2020" redistricting campaign in September, and raised at least $19 million in 2019.

Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro share a moment at the end of a Democratic primary debate hosted by NBC News at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, June 26, 2019, in Miami. Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president on Monday, days after dropping out of the Democratic primary race. "That's why I'm proud to endorse Elizabeth Warren for president," he said. Castro left the race on Tuesday after lagging in the polls and failing to keep up with rivals' fundraising efforts. Castro was the only Latino in the Democratic primary race.

"So today it's with a heavy heart and with profound gratitude that I will suspend my campaign for president." Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary on Thursday, ending a progressive and pugnacious bid that emphasized immigration and social issues but rarely made progress in the polls. A former mayor of San Antonio and HUD secretary during President Barack Obama's administration, Castro campaigned on reforming immigration policy and the criminal justice system. Thank you, Mr. Secretary," Biden tweeted. Castro was one of the youngest Democrats vying to defeat President Donald Trump in the 2020 contest.

The Democratic Party has struggled with how to handle a historically large field of candidates. For Thursdays debate, candidates must show that they have received donations from at least 200,000 unique donors, as well as meeting polling benchmarks. Castro bemoaned the ability of billionaires who are self-funding their campaign to make the debate stage. Our campaign has been speaking up for people who are often left behind, Castro said after his walk down some of the roughest blocks in Los Angeles. What we are seeing in this election cycle is that, too often in politics, money still talks, that people can basically buy their way on to the debate stage.

: No, the development of the vast petroleum play south of San Antonio didnt turn out to be the economic miracle the usual boosters promised it would. Sculley shook up city hall by ushering out officials who couldnt perform up to her standards, frequently replacing them with hires from outside San Antonio. During much of the decade, residents grappled with housing costs that have outstripped income growth. The crisis has forced San Antonio to create new programs to address displacement and increase the stock of affordable dwellings, but critics warn those may not be enough. Naturally, questions are already swirling about who really stands to benefit from the plan as proposed: commuters or developers.The 2010s marked an increasingly hostile relationship between big metros such as San Antonio and the Republican-controlled state legislature.

While Harris, of California, cited a lack of "financial resources" in her dropout announcement Tuesday, her bundler list is among the most valuable in the 2020 field. This person noted that he has heard from donors with allegiances to Biden, Klobuchar and Booker but has not made a decision on whom to back. Representatives of Harris, Biden, Booker, Buttigieg and Klobuchar did not return a request for comment. He said he even heard from people close to Sen. Bernie Sanders, but not for the sake of fundraising. Picking up members of Harris' donor network would be a boon for the remaining candidates in the 2020 field.

(CNN) - Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro raised $800,000 in the last 10 days of October, a fundraising figure that he said was necessary in order to continue his campaign. The Castro campaign received more than $1 million in October from "nearly 50,000 donors," according to a campaign statement, and on Thursday the campaign enjoyed its best fundraising day since August. Castro had previously said that if he did not reach the $800,000 figure before the end of the month, he would have to end his 2020 bid. "Time and time again this campaign has defied expectations with the support of an army of dedicated, grassroots supporters," Castro campaign manager Maya Rupert said in a statement Friday. Castro has not yet qualified for the November debate, having failed to reach the 3% polling threshold despite meeting the donor requirement.

But this is a critical moment if my campaign cant raise $800,000 by October 31st, my campaign will be silenced for good. DONATE now: https://t.co/CZKqZ7uYHM pic.twitter.com/opXiNoDn3I Julin Castro (@JulianCastro) October 21, 2019Julin is a powerful presence in this race. I'm not endorsing anyone yet, but Castro deserves to stay in this race. Donate: https://t.co/RAjsWUm2CA Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer) October 21, 2019Ill be blunt: If I cant raise $800,000 by the end of the month, Ill be forced to leave the race. pic.twitter.com/lJpc9TJTTs Julin Castro (@JulianCastro) October 22, 2019San Antonio's own Julin Castro may not be running for president much longer.In a tweet sent out Monday morning, Castro said he needs to raise $800,000 by October 31 to keep his campaign alive.

In the short term, though, both Texans are being closely watched for their potential collisions with other candidates Tuesday evening. "Some folks have thought that I've been somewhat assertive on the debate stage," Castro said late last month at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin. "I can tell you that whoever's on the debate stage [in the general election] ... Donald Trump is not gonna be nice." Failure to qualify for the November debate could force a fresh round of speculation about the political futures of Castro and O'Rourke. A day before the debate, Castro projected the image of a candidate not going anywhere, unveiling 58 endorsements, including at least 14 from Texas.

After being put in the hot seat about a problematic op-ed he wrote years ago, he less-than-gracefully just walked off. Later in the sketch, Saturday Night Live corrected a complaint they received over an earlier episode in which Julian Castro was left out of a debate sketch. Porter exclaimed as Lin-Manuel Miranda walked out perfectly embodying Castro. "I'm sorry I'm not gay, In the future, I'll try to do better. Eddie Murphy on Returning to Movies and 'Saturday Night Live' | Full Interview Embed Code RestartRELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Aniston Reveals Why She Turned Down a Spot on 'SNL''Saturday Night Live': Matthew Broderick Channels Ferris Bueller in Impeachment-Focused Cold OpenPhoebe Waller-Bridge Just Can't Part With Her Emmys While Rehearsing for 'SNL'

SAN ANTONIO - The Trump administration's Migrant Protection Protocol, also known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy, is now under fire. Former San Antonio mayor and presidential candidate Julian Castro traveled to Matamoros, Mexico, and crossed back into Brownsville with a group of asylum-seekers. They're subjected to violence in their home country and, even here and under the terms of MPP, if you have a physical issue. Many (are) members of the LGBTQ community who have been beat up, subjected to violence," Castro said, "They're experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Civil rights groups argue these migrants are placed in a dangerous situation when they are returned to Mexico.

HOUSTON - It's a big day in Houston. The top Democratic 2020 presidential candidates will finally be on the same stage Thursday night for a debate. The debate is a big opportunity for the 10 candidates to share their message with the public. PREVIEW OF TONIGHT'S DEBATE COVERAGE:After months of anticipation, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren will finally stand side by side. Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro was the last candidate to qualify for the debate in Houston.

Julian Castro discusses his brother, El Paso shooting, the legacy he hopes for his campaignCopyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

DES MOINES, Iowa - I was born in Seattle, lived in Denver and Kalamazoo, but Iowa is where I grew up. I also know one other big thing about the Iowa State Fair, and it's kind of the fair's unofficial mascot. The Iowa State Fair is in full swing and several presidential candidates have arrived in Des Moines to address crowds Thursday on the Political Soapbox stage. While the eyes of the political world will be on the Iowa State Fair, the event isn't all about the presidential election. Check out some of the sights and sounds from the Iowa State Fair.

Presidential candidate and former San Antonio mayor Julian Castro is in Des Moines, Iowa, to address and meet with voters at the Iowa State Fair for one of the most important days of his campaign. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Reuters) - Democratic presidential front-runner and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden mounted a fierce defense of Barack Obamas legacy on Saturday after several of his White House rivals attacked that record in debates this week. FILE PHOTO: Candidate former Vice President Joe Biden walks on stage before the start of the second night of the second 2020 Democratic U.S. presidential debate in Detroit, Michigan, July 31, 2019. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File PhotoBiden, appearing at a union forum in Nevada with 18 Democratic rivals, appeared fired up as he forcefully defended former U.S. Democratic President Obama and his signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. One of the fiercest critics of Obamas immigration policy and of Biden during the debates was Julian Castro, Obamas former housing secretary. He said he has been effusive in his praise for Obama and that the Obama-era immigration policy got better over time.

More so than any other candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden has capitalized on his proximity to Obama, hoping their close relationship will lead him to the presidency. Biden had refused to answer a question on whether he supported Obama's deportation strategy as vice president, insisting he would keep those discussions private. You invoke President Obama more than anybody in this campaign," Booker said. "I was a little surprised at how much incoming there was about Barack, about the president," Biden said to reporters Thursday. Other Obama administration alumni warned that the attacks could divide the party when its focus should be on defeating Trump.

DETROIT (Reuters) - Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden survived another debate night of sustained criticism, while many of his rivals for the Democratic Partys 2020 presidential nomination leave Detroit hoping they did enough to keep their bids alive. The partys next debate is not until September, and the majority of candidates are struggling to raise enough money or gain enough traction in the polls to make the cut for that event. Gillibrand was direct about her struggle, asking viewers on Wednesday night to donate to her campaign so I can make the next debate stage.For the front-runners, the second round of debate resulted in few pitfalls. Candidates on both nights appeared eager to tussle on the debate stage, while uniting around their determination to defeat Trump. And as your president, thats how I will govern and move us forward together.

Tensions were high in the last two nights of the Democratic Presidential Debate as some candidates prepare for the fall debates and others struggle to stay in the race. Cory BookerSenator, NJGetty Images Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)Booker was more on the offensive than in June, attacking Joe Biden on policies such as race, healthcare and immigration. Getty Images Democratic presidential candidate former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke talks to the media in the spin room Democratic Presidential Debate at the Fox Theatre July 30, 2019, in Detroit. Marianne WilliamsonAuthor & SpiritualistGetty Images Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson talks to the media in the spin room after the Democratic Presidential Debate at the Fox Theatre July 30, 2019, in Detroit. Andrew YangEntrepreneurGetty Images Democratic presidential candidate Andrew YangYang was much more vocal in this last round of debates, mostly because he had more questions directed to him.

DETROIT (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the opening minutes of a debate on Wednesday. Candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris on the second night of the second 2020 Democratic U.S. presidential debate in Detroit, Michigan, July 31, 2019. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, joined them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns. The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Bidens feeble response led to a dip in his standing.

DETROIT (Reuters) - Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last months explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach. Democratic U.S. Presidential candidate Joe Biden addresses the audience during the Presidential candidate forum at the annual convention of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. July 24, 2019. Biden did not figure prominently on the first night of the debate but is likely to be the focus of the second. Booker, who was not on stage with Biden at the last debate, has stepped up his attacks. The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns.

Democratic presidential candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) greet each other at the Democratic Presidential Debate at the Fox Theatre July 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris are set to rematch during night two of the second Democratic debates on Wednesday following a contentious first debate last month. Biden and Harris sparred at the Miami debate in June over Biden's opposition as a senator to using busing as a tool for desegregation. Wednesday night's debate may also provide opportunities for some of the candidates hovering under 2% in the polls to gain attention. She said this month: "We have Democratic candidates running for president right now who do not believe necessarily that it's a good idea that women work outside the home."

NBC News(CNN) - Texas Democratic presidential candidate rivals Julian Castro and Beto O'Rourke will not be butting heads at the CNN Democratic presidential debates later this month. O'Rourke will be on the stage the previous night against Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and seven other candidates. Jay Inslee, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke, Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, Sanders, Warren, author Marianne Williamson and businessman Andrew Yang. Both seem to be relishing their ongoing clash over health care, but they won't have a chance to duke it out on the debate stage and grab the headlines they both want. Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton and Miramar, Florida, Mayor Wayne Messam, two candidates who did not make the first debate stage, will also miss the second debate after failing to qualify.

click to enlarge Screen capture / CNBCJulian Castro and Beto O'Rourke share a split-screen moment during Wednesday's Democratic debate. When it comes to campaign money, Julin Castro and Beto ORourke the two Texans chasing the Democratic presidential nomination are trailing others in the pack vying to duke it out with President Trump in 2020.An analysis of campaign finance documents by Austin's KXAN-TV shows the pair lagging as other Democratic competitors ramp up their fundraising efforts.Despite a spike in contributions after his strong performance in the first debate, Castro has just $1.1 million in his campaign war chest, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The former San Antonio mayor and Obama HUD secretary has raised $3.9 million since starting the race and spent $2.9 million.ORourke pulled in less money in the second quarter than he did during the first, according to FEC filings. The former El Paso congressman raised $3.6 million from April to June, compared to a breakaway $9.4 million the prior quarter. More troubling, however, the campaign spent $5.3 million during the most recent period, outstripping its intake.In contrast, Democratic frontrunners Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg each ended the second quarter with $20 million or more in their campaign accounts, according to KXAN's analysis.

Democratic 2020 presidential candidates former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke participate in the first U.S. 2020 presidential election DemocraticThe third debate in the Democratic presidential primary will be in Houston, party officials announced late Tuesday. "Texas is a battleground state, period," Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said in a statement. We are pleased that our partners at the Democratic National Committee have agreed to host the third Presidential Debate here in Texas." Party officials did not immediately say where in Houston the debate would be held.

click to enlarge Julian LedezmaJulian Castro waves to the crowd during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade. And, on Tuesday, he revealed details of a return trip to New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation primary state. "As our message spreads, we gain more and more supporters," Castro said in a press statement. His July 18-19 jaunt to New Hampshire will be his fifth to the state since launching his candidacy in January. The trip will include five stops, ranging from a meeting with housing advocates in Portsmouth to a Nashua town hall.

SAN ANTONIO - A new ABC/Washington Post poll shows former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro ranked in the top five among Democratic presidential candidates nationally at 4%. The poll released Wednesday meets the Democratic National Committee's criteria for consideration under its debate qualification rules. Castro said his strong showing in the first Democratic debate resulted in the best fundraising days of his campaign, raising more than $1 million in four days. He is also closing in on the 130,000 contributor threshold needed to secure a position at the September Democratic debates. The ABC/Washington Post poll follows the release of a poll from Univision/Latino Decisions, which showed Castro enjoying the highest favorability margin of any 2020 candidate.

click to enlarge Julian LedezmaJulian Castro waves to the crowd during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade. Considering Julin Castro's busy weekend, you'd think the former San Antonio mayor was running for president or something.Fresh off his well-received performance in the first Democratic presidential debate, Castro marched in San Antonio's Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade Saturday night with twin brother U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro. In contrast to other participating politicos, the two didn't ride in a car but hoofed it along the route, shaking hands and snapping selfies.Early the following morning, the former Obama housing secretary made the rounds on political talk shows, putting in appearances on CNN's, ABC'sand NBC's. Castro spent much of his air time discussing immigration, but during his ABC appearance he also jabbed at President Trump for his weekend meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. "What's happened here is that this president has raised the profile of a dictator like Kim Jong-un and now three times visited with him unsuccessfully, because he's doing it backward," Castro said.On, Castro also called Trump's son, Don Jr., a "coward" for sharing and then deleting a racist tweet about fellow Democratic presidential aspirant Kamala Harris.

Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro and his twin brother, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, joined thousands on the streets of San Antonio downtown Saturday night for the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro and his twin brother, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, joined thousands on the streets of San Antonio downtown Saturday night for the Pride Bigger Than Texas... Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

SAN ANTONIO - Presidential candidate and former Mayor Julin Castro will march in San Antonio's Pride Parade on Saturday. Castro's campaign manager confirmed to KSAT's Steve Spriester on the return to his hometown for the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival and Parade. I just confirmed that Presidential Candidate and former SA Mayor @JulianCastro will be marching in the San Antonio Pride Parade tomorrow. #KSATnews Steve Spriester (@stevespriester) June 29, 2019His arrival comes less than 72 hours after Castro and other presidential candidates squared off in the first Democratic debate. pic.twitter.com/FkXzBqGv5W Julin Castro (@JulianCastro) June 29, 2019Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

click to enlarge Screen capture / CNBCJulian Castro and Beto O'Rourke share a split-screen moment during Wednesday's Democratic debate. In yet another sign there's room for only one Texan in the crowded Democratic presidential field, Julin Castro and Beto O'Rourke have scheduled competing Friday night rallies in Austin.The Texas Democratic Party will host a meet-and-greet with Castro at Cheer Up Charlie's Friday at 7 p.m. O'Rourke, meanwhile, set his campaign event at Scholz Garden at 6 p.m. the same night. Both bars are within eyesight of the Texas Capitol.Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and President Obama's housing secretary, won a lifeline for his struggling campaign on Wednesday with a strong debate performance in which he tangled with the better polling but largely underwhelming O'Rourke over immigration.Castro has been on a victory tour since the breakout performance, gaining the kind of wall-to-wall media coverage that's evaded him since kicking off his campaign in January.Castro's campaign also said the day following his debate appearance was its strongest fundraising day so far, tripling the amount raised over during its previous high and pulling in three times the number of donations. CNBC reports that former El Paso congressman O'Rourke held a conference call Thursday with donors during which members of his team offered takes on how he could pick up his game in future debate appearances.

Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has proposed wiping out all $1.6 trillion of outstanding student loan debt in the U.S., while rival Elizabeth Warren has called for canceling $640 billion of the debt. Voters in blue states stand to have more debt forgiven under these plans than those in red states, according to an analysis by CNBC. For example, the average student loan borrower in Maryland owes close to $40,000, compared with around $26,000 in North Dakota. College affordability is an issue everywhere in the country, said Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert. "All members of Congress are feeling pressure to do something about the student loan problem."

Senator Cory Booker, former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke and Senator Amy Klobuchar listen during the first U.S. 2020 presidential election Democratic candidates debate in Miami, Florida, U.S., June 26, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo(Reuters) - The first U.S. Democratic presidential debate, a faceoff without the partys frontrunners, hauled in a surprisingly large 15.3 million viewers across three television networks, according to Nielsen estimates released by NBC News on Thursday. Wednesdays TV audience did not reach the all-time primary record set in 2016 when 24 million viewers tuned in for the first performance by Donald Trump in a Republican candidates debate on Fox News Channel. The audience matched the preliminary estimate of 15.3 million viewers for a Democratic debate in October 2015 on CNN, now owned by AT&T Inc. That number was later revised to 15.8 million, a record for a Democratic primary field. More than 9 million additional viewers watched Wednesdays debate via live streams on the internet, NBC said.

Senator Cory Booker, former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke and Senator Amy Klobuchar listen during the first U.S. 2020 presidential election Democratic candidates debate in Miami, Florida, U.S., June 26, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo(Reuters) - About 15.3 million TV viewers watched Wednesdays debate among Elizabeth Warren, Beto ORourke and eight other candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for U.S. president, according to Nielsen data released by NBC News. The viewership for the first televised face-off of Democratic contenders, which did not include frontrunners Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, was bigger than many analysts predicted and in line with the large audience that tuned in for the first Democratic debate of the 2016 election cycle. The TV audience did not reach the all-time primary record set in 2016 when 24 million viewers tuned in for the first performance by Donald Trump in a Republican candidates debate on Fox News Channel. A second debate with 10 other Democratic presidential contenders, including Biden and Sanders, is scheduled for Thursday.

The former congressman tangled with Castro, a fellow Texan, on border policy, and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on healthcare. The battle over healthcare began when the candidates were asked to raise their hands if they support eliminating private health insurance. ORourke said private insurance was fundamental to our ability to get everybody cared for, but de Blasio cut him off. Congressman ORourke, private insurance is not working for tens of millions of Americans when you talk about the copays, the deductibles the premiums - its not working. Senator Cory Booker, former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke and Senator Amy Klobuchar listen during the first U.S. 2020 presidential election Democratic candidates debate in Miami, Florida, U.S., June 26, 2019.

Democratic 2020 presidential candidates (from left) former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke participate in their party's first 2020MIAMI - Home-state tensions flared between Democratic presidential candidates and native Texans Beto O'Rourke and Julin Castro at their party's first presidential debate Wednesday night, with Castro saying O'Rourke has not done his "homework" on the issue of immigration. Several other candidates addressed the matter, including U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, who pledge to end Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. "We would not turn back Valeria and her father, scar," O'Rourke said, when answering a question on what he would do on his first day as president. Castro then pelted O'Rourke, asking him why he would not support repealing Section 1325. The scuffle with Castro was not the only time in the debate that ORourke took heat.

MIAMI - Democrats hoping that Wednesday nights first presidential debate of the 2020 campaign would be clarifying probably came away disappointed. The question is whether Warren and Castros performances still stand out after night two of the Democratic debate on Thursday, when former Vice President Joe Biden and nine other candidates take the stage. No issue in the first Democratic debate showcased the contrast with Trump more than immigration. APPEALS TO DIVERSE BASEThe diversity of the modern Democratic Party was on display Wednesday night three women, one black man and a man of Mexican heritage vying for the presidential nomination. Booker proposed that the partys presidential nominee campaign in longshot states like South Carolina in hopes of snaring enough seats to take over the Senate.

Joe Raedle | Getty ImagesAs the Democratic presidential candidates spar in the first debate leading up to the 2020 election, focus is on the governors who want to beat President Donald Trump and their individual accomplishments. Here's a scorecard that shows how the governors who would be president did in terms of growing their states' economy and spurring job growth, while managing public health, education, infrastructure and housing development. Jay InsleeWashington Governor Jay Inslee speaks during the first U.S. 2020 presidential election Democratic candidates debate in Miami, Florida, June 26, 2019. Mike Segar | ReutersDemocrat Washington (2013present) The 23rd governor of Washington State has made battling climate change the centerpiece of his presidential campaign. An unabashedly pro-business governor, Weld helped cement Massachusetts' role as a technology hub during the 1990s tech boom.

Twenty Democratic presidential candidates had their first chance to square off on the same stage this week. Winner: Kamala HarrisSen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) speaks during the second night of the first Democratic presidential debate on June 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. In a tweet, Democratic presidential candidate John Delaney called Harris' criticism of Biden an "incredible moment." At one point during the debate, Harris was the top trending topic on Google across the U.S. Biden, for his part, said Harris mischaracterized his record on race. Loser: Beto O'RourkeFormer U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks at the first U.S. 2020 presidential election Democratic candidates debate in Miami, Florida, U.S., June 26, 2019.

The battle over healthcare began when the candidates were asked to raise their hands if they support eliminating private health insurance. Warren, a leader of the partys progressive wing who has been surging in opinion polls, said private insurance was taking advantage of Americans. Senator Bernie Sanders, which has gained support in Congress, would create a government-operated plan that eliminates private insurance. ORourke said private insurance was fundamental to our ability to get everybody cared for, but de Blasio cut him off. Congressman ORourke, private insurance is not working for tens of millions of Americans when you talk about the copays, the deductibles the premiums - its not working.

(Reuters) - Ten Democratic presidential candidates took the debate stage on Wednesday night for the first head-to-head primary face-off. Democratic 2020 presidential candidates New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, U.S. ABOLISH PRIVATE INSURANCE? He pointed out that his father enjoyed the private health benefits negotiated through his union. I am the only candidate here who has passed a law protecting a womens right of reproductive health and health insurance, he said, saying health insurance companies should not be allowed to deny womens reproductive choice rights.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Twenty Democratic presidential hopefuls will hit the debate stage on Wednesday and Thursday nights to square off for the first time in the 2020 nominating contest. FILE PHOTO: The line up of U.S. Democratic presidential candidates who will participate in the party's first of two nights of debate in Miami on June 26, 2019, in a combination file photos (L-R top row): U.S. Some leading white contenders have faced toughed questions this month surrounding race issues - and could be forced to defend themselves on the debate stage. A standout debate moment can help skyrocket a candidate from the bottom of the polls into the top tier. If moderators take note, that could lead to the first time candidates on a debate stage get asked to respond to a presidential tweet in real time.