Updated 2 p.m.: Revised to include reaction from Sen. John Cornyn.

Royce West is one step closer to running against Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

The Dallas Democrat has announced a news conference for July 22, where he's widely expected to launch a campaign for Senate.

The longtime state senator would join a Democratic Party primary that already includes former Air Force helicopter pilot MJ Hegar of Round Rock and former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell of Houston. And Houston council member Amanda Edwards is considering mounting a campaign as well.

Cornyn isn't expected to have a major primary challenge to his re-election bid.

On Wednesday Cornyn told reporters on a conference call that he expected a spirited Democratic primary.

"By all indications, I hear he's going to get in the race," Cornyn said. "Of all the people thinking about the race, he's the only one I know of who actually has a record of public service. .... Some of the Democrats in Texas are getting tired of Chuck Schumer and the national Democratic Party trying to pick their nominee."

Cornyn added that "we'll be ready no matter who gets nominated."

"The more the merrier, as far as I'm concerned," he said.

Sen. John Cornyn spoke with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price at a luncheon at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth in November. Cornyn later discussed issues regarding transportation, opiate abuse and President Donald Trump during the luncheon. Cornyn isn't expected to have a major primary challenge to his re-election bid. (Daniel Carde / Staff Photographer)

West, 66, has hinted at a campaign against Cornyn for months, but has not officially gotten into the race.

He'll make an announcement at 10 a.m. July 22 at the Democratic Party headquarters in East Dallas, according to a sign-up link on a website he's developed for the occasion.

West has represented Texas Senate District 23 since 1993. He's also a prominent Dallas attorney and one of the leading Democratic Party voices in the state.

Though West has contemplated statewide campaigns in the past, he's never felt the timing was right.

But after former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke's close 2018 Senate race against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, Democrats are hopeful that they can make gains up and down the 2020 ballot. The Washington, D.C., political news outlet Roll Call on Tuesday moved the 2020 Texas Senate race from solid Republican to likely Republican, noting that the GOP will have to spend more time and/or money defending the seat.

West, who won't have to give up his state senate seat to run against Cornyn, is hoping to benefit in the primary and potentially the general election from a large turnout in North Texas, where he has high name recognition. He would also be the first black person to serve in the Senate from Texas, a prospect that could rally black voters across the state.

The Dallas lawyer's challenge is to raise money and build support outside of North Texas.