After a very tight loss, Texas Democrat says she's 'very likely' to run for the House again in 2020

Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones

On Thursday, 2018 Democratic nominee Gina Ortiz Jones put out an email to supporters saying she was "very likely" to challenge Texas Rep. Will Hurd again in 2020. Ortiz Jones lost 49.2-48.7, a margin of just 926 votes.

That turned out to be a surprisingly close showing since several polls found Hurd well ahead. National Democratic groups were initially reluctant to spend much money on what looked like a very uphill race, and the NRCC even canceled its final 3 1/2 weeks' worth of ad reservations in early October in a big sign of confidence in Hurd. However, the DCCC and House Majority PAC ended up spending a total of around $840,000, and the NRCC went back on the air in the final week of the race with a $554,000 buy, both of which indicated that this race was getting closer late in the game.

While Hurd did win in the end, neither party is likely to treat him like he’s the strong favorite in 2020 after his narrow escape. If anything, Hurd will likely be one of Team Blue’s top targets in the country. Texas’ 23rd District, which stretches from San Antonio west to the outskirts of El Paso, backed Clinton 50-46, and come January, Hurd will be just one of three House Republicans who holds a Clinton seat. The other two are New York’s John Katko and Pennsylvania's Brian Fitzpatrick, who should also be prepared for tough fights.

Daily Kos has targeted Texas' 23rd as one of the most vulnerable GOP seats in 2020. Please give $3 today to help turn it blue!