Hurd, 45, announced his candidacy in a video and a Twitter post
that stressed unity, the economy and equal opportunity for all
Americans - and pulled no punches in taking on the former
president.
"If we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like
Donald Trump - he lost the House, the Senate and the White House
- we all know Joe Biden will win again," Hurd said.
Painting a stark contrast to Trump, Hurd said his vision of
America would acknowledge science, address mental health, and be
inclusive and understanding.
"It's not a given that this vision for America will happen, but
it can if we focus on our timeless principles and limitless
potential, not self-interest in politics," Hurd said.
A former undercover CIA officer in the Middle East and South
Asia, Hurd served on the House of Representatives Intelligence
Committee. He was first elected to Congress in 2014.
Hurd did not run for re-election in his southern Texas border
district in 2020, saying he wanted to pursue opportunities
outside Congress.
In 2019, he strongly criticized tweets by then-President Trump
saying four progressive Democratic minority congresswomen,
including one born in Somalia, should "go back" to where they
came from.
"Those tweets are racist and xenophobic," Hurd said at the time.
Trump remains the front-runner in the crowded field of
Republicans aiming to unseat President Joe Biden, the likely
Democratic candidate in 2024.
Hurd is the second Black candidate in the Republican race,
joining U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina.
He is the latest long-shot candidate to join a group that also
includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President
Mike Pence, and former Governors Nikki Haley of South Carolina
and Chris Christie of New Jersey.
Since leaving Congress, Hurd has worked as a managing director
at Allen & Company, a board member for OpenAI, and trustee of
the German Marshall Fund, according to his website. He also has
been a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of
Politics.
Hurd for America submitted a candidacy filing with the Federal
Election Commission on Thursday.
(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Nick Zieminski and
Jonathan Oatis)
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