WASHINGTON (AP) - Martin O'Malley, the former Democratic governor of Maryland and 2016 presidential candidate, says he will not run for president in 2020 and is backing Beto O'Rourke.
O'Malley's endorsement of O'Rourke, who catapulted to the national spotlight in his close Texas Senate race against Sen. Ted Cruz, comes in a column published in the Des Moines Register. O'Rourke hasn't said whether he will seek the White House.
O'Malley says that O'Rourke has "the wisdom to listen, the courage to lead, and a rock-solid faith in the powerful goodness of our nation."
O'Malley abandoned his 2016 campaign after a disappointing finish in the Iowa caucuses. He spent much of the last two years traveling the country in support of Democratic candidates, moves that were widely seen as preparation for another presidential bid.
Biden
Delaware could have one of its favorite Sons jump into the national fray to unseat President Donald Trump.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks about whether he will seek the Democratic Party nomination for president.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that he has told friends and family that would be discussing the possibility during the holidays.
The 76-year old Biden would have instant name recognition and likely be a front-runner.
The contenders are already beginning to show up nearly two years before 2020 elections.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren announced she has set up an exploratory committee and speculation swirls about Independent Senator Bernie Sanders who lost to Hillary Clinton in his 2016 bid.
