‘Beto for Senate’ website back online

It appears Congressman Beto O’Rourke is ready to launch a bid to become the first Democrat elected to a statewide office in Texas in decades.

A “Beto for Senate” website went live Thursday and it was later taken offline.

But it is now back online and is asking for contributions and volunteers.

The El Paso Democrat said Wednesday he is planning a “big announcement” Friday amid speculation he will challenge GOP Sen. Ted Cruz for re-election next year. O’Rourke told ABC-7 it is important for him to share the decision with El Paso first.

The congressman has traveled to several Texas cities over the past couple weeks and has scheduled meet and greet and fundraiser stops in Dallas, Waco, Austin and Houston in the next few days.

O’Rourke could face a big challenge in the Democratic Primary from San Antonio’s Joaquin Castro, who visited El Paso recently.

Other possible Cruz senate challengers, in addition to O’Rourke and Castro, include Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, as well as GOP political strategist and ABC News political analyst Matthew Dowd, who is considering an independent bid against Cruz.

O’Rourke insisted Cruz is vulnerable despite his national profile. O’Rourke also said he has spoken with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who oversees the party’s recruitment efforts.

O’Rourke’s announcement will be made Friday morning. ABC-7 will update you as it happens.