Rep. Veronica Escobar Veronica EscobarHispanic caucus report takes stock of accomplishments with eye toward 2021 Races heat up for House leadership posts Ahead of a coronavirus vaccine, Mexico's drug pricing to have far-reaching impacts on Americans MORE (D-Texas) on Thursday endorsed Beto O'Rourke Beto O'RourkeJimmy Carter says his son smoked pot with Willie Nelson on White House roof O'Rourke endorses Kennedy for Senate: 'A champion for the values we're most proud of' 2020 Democrats do convention Zoom call MORE, whom she replaced as El Paso's representative in the House, for president.

"We have not had a presidential election this important in my lifetime. Our country is at an historic crossroads, and if we continue on this reckless path, we all have much to lose," Escobar said in a statement.

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O'Rourke told a Texas TV station on Wednesday that he intends to seek the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, making it official on Thursday morning in a campaign video.

Escobar and O'Rourke have long ties. They were both part of a group of young El Paso Democrats who rose through the party's ranks, taking over key county and legislative seats and at the time butting with establishment leaders.

O'Rourke was elected to his first of three terms in the House after a tough primary challenge against eight-term Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas), with Escobar serving as his communications director.

"I have endorsed Beto O’Rourke in every election he’s run — including this exciting run for President of the United States — because he is an extraordinary public servant, driven by compassion and a desire to unify," said Escobar.

Both Escobar and O'Rourke have been outspoken voices for border communities, particularly El Paso, and have pushed back against claims that the region is unsafe and needs tougher security.

"He is a son of the border, and during an era of unprecedented racist attacks on safe, secure communities like ours, I am grateful that he consistently stands up to the xenophobia and bigotry that has driven the ugliest of political debates," said Escobar. "It is that kind of courage that we need today, now more than ever."

Escobar was El Paso County judge — an executive position akin to county manager — before running to replace O'Rourke.

O'Rourke ran an unsuccessful challenge against Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzTrump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes Press: Notorious RBG vs Notorious GOP The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Washington on edge amid SCOTUS vacancy MORE (R-Texas) in 2018.