Mayor Leeser considering run for Congress if O’Rourke runs for U.S. Senate

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser told ABC-7 Friday he is considering the possibility of running for Congress as Congressman Beto O’Rourke considers a possible run for the U.S. Senate in 2018.

Leeser said his ability to work with Fort Bliss, the government of Ciudad Juarez, the Pentagon and veterans is something he would like to continue doing – in Washington D.C.

“With my business experience, it’s important a businessman from El Paso represents us in Washington, especially, with the election we just had,” Leeser said.

Leeser said the Borderland needs an ambassador in our nation’s capital. “It’s important to show El Paso and Juarez are one economy,” the mayor said, “I don’t call it a challenge, but an opportunity to show that two cities can work together and work on our relationship across borders.”

ABC-7 asked the mayor if his run for Congress is contingent on O’Rourke vacating his congressional seat. The mayor said he would not run against O’Rourke. “I have a lot of respect for Congressman O’rourke. I thank him for the hard work he’s done and I’ll continue to support him.”

If Leeser decides to run for mayor again, he would finish his term if re-elected. “Whatever I do, I want to do it 100 percent. I want to focus on finishing the job I have as mayor, work hard and I will continue to do that. I will not run for mayor then leave an unfinished term. I don’t think that’s respectful,” the Mayor said.