Joaquin Castro considering Senate run against Ted Cruz in 2018

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro speaks during an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Kelly Field, which later became Port San Antonio, on Jan. 18, 2017. Castro said in an interview with Buzzfeed Wednesday that he is considering a run against Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. less U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro speaks during an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Kelly Field, which later became Port San Antonio, on Jan. 18, 2017. Castro said in an interview with Buzzfeed ... more Photo: Billy Calzada, Staff Photo: Billy Calzada, Staff Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Joaquin Castro considering Senate run against Ted Cruz in 2018 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-TX, told Buzzfeed Wednesday he's still deciding whether or not he'll challenge Ted Cruz for the Senate in 2018.

Cruz makes up one half of the state's representation in the U.S. Senate along with fellow Republican John Cornyn. He's held the seat since 2012, according to his website.

"There's no question it would be a tough race and he would have a lot of money and he is really beloved by his base — you've gotta give him credit for that, but at the same time, he really has not done much for the people of Texas," Castro said.

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This isn't the first time the congressman has floated the idea of running against Cruz. During the 2016 Democratic National Convention in July, Castro said he was looking at a possible run.

Cruz fired back on Twitter that afternoon urging followers to donate money to help him "fight back against the Castro brothers and any attempt by the media or establishment to turn Texas blue!"

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Then, in a fundraising email the same day, Cruz said: "Despite any record of achievement and a liberal ideology out of touch with the majority of Texans, the Castro brothers have the full support of the mainstream media and Washington establishment willing to do everything in their power to turn Texas blue."

"In order to stop the Castro brothers attempts to bring their liberal ideology to the halls of the U.S. Senate — I need you by my side," he added.

RELATED: Joaquin Castro considering a run against Ted Cruz in 2018, Cruz fires back

Despite Republican doubt, Castro told Buzzfeed there was also a possibility of turning Texas, a historically red state, blue, and Donald Trump's election could help with that.

"I think in the coming years, especially because you've got Donald Trump in the White House, I think you're going to see a lot of gains in state legislative races for Democrats," he said. "I think it's possible to win in the next few years a state-wide race."

But Castro isn't the only representative from Texas considering challenging Cruz for the Sentate seat. In a press conference Friday, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, said he is "very close to making a positive decision to run against Cruz" in 2018.

The border congressman also condemned President Donald Trump's immigration rhetoric and executive actions, arguing that building a wall and imposing trade tariffs on Mexico will jeopardize more than six million jobs in the United States.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5