Texas politician Beto O'Rourke has announced his 2020 presidential bid.
After months of speculation, the former US Congressman has announced his plans to enter the race for the Democratic nomination.
46-year-old Mr O'Rourke drew international attention last year with his Senate bid against high-profile Republican Ted Cruz.
While ultimately unsuccessful, he managed to win 48% of the vote - a surprise result in a state long considered a Republican stronghold.
O'Rourke's campaign made headlines for raising tens of millions of dollars in grassroots fundraising, as well as celebrity endorsements from the likes of Beyonce.
In a video announcing his presidential bid today, Beto said: "This is a defining moment of truth for this country, and for every single one of us.
"This moment of peril produces perhaps the greatest moment of promise for this country and for everybody inside of it."
O'Rourke is the latest entry into what's already a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls.
A half dozen senators - including Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren - have already announced their own bids.
Polls have shown Sanders and former vice president Joe Biden as early frontrunners.
However, Mr Biden has yet to announce whether he definitely plans to run.
O'Rourke is considered a more traditional liberal and centrist - albeit of a younger generation - than some of the more progressive candidates hoping to secure the nomination.
The newcomer to the race is pledging a grassroots campaign that will stress a message of national unity.
He'll formally launch his bid on March 30th in El Paso, Texas.
There's still just under a year to go until the first Democratic primary votes ahead of next November's US general election.
