Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro says he will "likely" run for president in 2020, his strongest indication yet since he first floated a possible bid earlier this year.

Castro, in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, added that he will make a "final decision" after November's midterm elections.

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"I’m likely to do it," the former Democratic mayor of San Antonio told the magazine. "I have a strong vision for the country. I believe that our country’s going in the wrong direction and that it needs new leadership."

"I’ll make a final decision after November, but I’m inclined to do it," he added.

Castro, who led the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama administration, has made similar comments multiple times before.

He first rose to prominence as a rising star of the Democratic Party when he became the first Latino to give the keynote address at the party's national convention. He was floated as a possible running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonFox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio Trump, Biden court Black business owners in final election sprint The power of incumbency: How Trump is using the Oval Office to win reelection MORE in 2016.

When Rolling Stone pressed him over Clinton's loss and what it means for his prospects, Castro said it was "always going to be hard to keep the presidency for a third term in the same party."

"I think a number of people who were a part of the campaign are very proud that she won the popular vote by nearly three million votes and, at the same time, if it could be done over, would acknowledge more focus in certain states," he said.

Castro has spent the past several months stumping for Democrats such as J.D. Scholten, who is challenging Rep. Steve King Steven (Steve) Arnold KingTrump, Biden deadlocked in Iowa: poll GOP leader: 'There is no place for QAnon in the Republican Party' Loomer win creates bigger problem for House GOP MORE (R-Iowa) for his seat, and Rep. 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 (D-Texas), who is battling to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish Trump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes MORE (R-Texas).

Castro also aligned himself with Democratic gubernatorial candidates Andrew Gillum (Fla.) and Stacey Abrams (Ga.), as well as congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), saying all three candidates "weave ... together" issues of class and race. The three candidates also have garnered significant attention from progressive Democrats.

"We have candidates who recognize that often times folks who are grappling with lack of job opportunity in their community are also grappling with fear of being brutalized by law enforcement," he said after noting all three by name.

If Castro announces a bid, he likely will join a crowded field of Democratic contenders.