Congressman Beto O’Rourke 'inspired' by San Angelo town hall meeting

A crowd of more than 300 people applauded as U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke spoke at the Angelo State University for a town hall meeting Friday.

“This is my third visit to San Angelo and I’m always welcomed so warmly,” said O’Rourke, who is seeking to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

“Republicans, Democrats, Independents alike have been coming together around the big issues for this country. Whether that’s jobs, immigration or great public schools,” he said.

Since launching his campaign more than a year ago, O’Rourke has traveled the state and visited more than 240 counties.

“I take inspiration from those meetings, from the people who stand up sometimes in the face of crisis in their family, a struggle to find a job or pay for their education or (make sure) their kids have the tools to be successful in life,” O’Rourke said.

More: Beto O’Rourke tells San Angelo parties must ‘reach across aisle’

“Banding together with their fellow Texans, fellow Americans ... they put the common good before anything else.”

O’Rourke announced his grassroots campaign raised more than $6.8 million in 2018 without contributions from political action committees.

After the meeting, O’Rourke planned to travel to Ozona, Eldorado and Sonora en route to Houston.

More: Beto O'Rourke to major Democratic super PAC donor: "Thanks, but no thanks"