Former Secretary Julián Castro Discusses Future of Progressive Movement in Democratic Party at Harvard Forum

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro discussed the future of the progressive movement in the Democratic Party at a Harvard Institute of Politics forum. Castro, who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2020, announced his intention to return to politics and believes U.S. Senator Ted Cruz could lose if he runs for reelection in 2024.

Castro will be joining the faculty of Harvard Law School for the fall semester, where he will teach a course on post-pandemic city leadership. He also expressed his belief that Texas could become a Democratic state in the coming years, citing the shifting political landscape in the state.

He highlighted Beto O’Rourke’s 2022 campaign for governor against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott as a potential catalyst for moving Texas closer to the Democratic Party. Castro emphasized the importance of the Democratic Party producing results on key issues like education, Covid response, job creation, and advocated for policies like canceling student loans and raising the minimum wage.

Castro also criticized the current state of the Republican Party, describing it as “a cult of Trump” with no clear policy goals. He urged Democrats to be bolder in pursuing their policy goals and not to be swayed by concerns about losing support from independent voters.

Overall, Castro’s insights shed light on the evolving political landscape in Texas and the broader Democratic Party, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing progressive movements within the party.