Democrat MJ Hegar challenges U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

MJ Hegar poses for a portrait at her home in Round Rock, Texas, on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Nine years after being shot down in Afghanistan, winning a lawsuit against the federal government, and writing a book, Hegar is now running for a Texas congressional seat. Women with military experience _ many of them combat veterans _ are among the record number of female candidates running for office this year. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less MJ Hegar poses for a portrait at her home in Round Rock, Texas, on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Nine years after being shot down in Afghanistan, winning a lawsuit against the federal government, and writing a book, ... more Photo: Eric Gay, STF / Associated Press Photo: Eric Gay, STF / Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Democrat MJ Hegar challenges U.S. Sen. John Cornyn 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Air Force veteran MJ Hegar is jumping into the race for the U.S. Senate.

The Democrat from Round Rock announced in a video message on Tuesday that she will challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican who has been in the Senate since 2002.

“Texans deserve a Senator who represents our values: strength, courage, independence, putting Texas first,” Hegar said in the nearly 4-minute video announcing her candidacy.

An Afghanistan War veteran, Hegar ran for Congress in 2018, losing by 3 percentage points to U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, in a district north of Austin that has long been held by Republicans. Hegar raised more than $5 million and drew national attention with a viral campaign video that recounts her history as a helicopter pilot and her pivot into politics.

Cornyn’s campaign was quick to jump on the news, sending out email blasts to his supporters warning them of a “Democrat Takeover of Texas.”

“You thought Beto was liberal? Think again,” Cornyn says in the mass email. “Hegar makes him look like nothing.”

Hegar could have company in the race as U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro has said he too is considering running for the Senate. Last week in Austin, the San Antonio Democrat said he wasn’t concerned about the prospect of facing Hegar in a primary election. Castro says he will make a decision soon, but did not say when that would be.

For subscribers: Castro v. Cornyn race would feature two undefeated Texas lawmakers