Julian Castro is one of many candidates who has thrown their hat in the mix for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential race. Castro, who is a former cabinet member in the Barack Obama administration, announced his candidacy in January 2019.
Castro has been in politics since 2001 when he got his start as a member of the City Council from the 7th district in his hometown of San Antonio.
How does Castro stand apart from his peers?
Everything you need to know about the Democratic politician and presidential candidate can be seen below.
Julian Castro Ethnicity & Heritage
Castro was born in San Antonio, Texas, along with his twin brother Joaquin. The 44-year-old is of Mexican descent and would become the first Mexican-American president in the country’s history. He was born on September 16, which is Mexican Independence Day. Castro’s mother, Maria “Rosie” Castro, is a Chicana activist who established the political party La Raza Unida and who previously ran for San Antonio City Council.
Julian Castro Bio
Born: September 16, 1974 (age 44)
Castro attended Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio and was very involved in sports. In fact, Castro had received a Division III scholarship offer from Trinity University to play tennis, but he ultimately decided to attend Stanford University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications. Castro went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
The political career of Castro began in 2001 when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council before going on to become mayor of his hometown. Frpm 2014-2017, Castro served as the 16th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama and was the youngest member of the Obama cabinet.
Castro officially announced on January 12, 2019, that he was launching his campaign for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2020.