Rep. Joaquin Castro (D., Texas) said Monday that he welcomes the potential entrance of Oprah Winfrey into the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.
Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes Sunday caused a media sensation, and Castro told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that he would be happy to see her run for his party’s presidential nomination, despite having no political experience. He even said Democrats should accept all comers to the primary, declaring "the more the merrier."
"She's a very accomplished, admirable person, somebody who has had an incredible career in broadcasting and an amazing and powerful life story," Castro said. "I say that when it comes to 2020, the more the merrier for Democrats."
He went on to say that anyone who has a "vision for this country and feels compelled" to run should do so.
"I think everybody who has a vision for this country and feels compelled to stand up on that stage and share that vision with Americans and with Democrats, to compete for the nomination, should get up there and do it," Castro added.
Blitzer mentioned that Castro’s brother, Julian, has hinted strongly at running for president himself.
"Do you think your brother would step aside if Oprah Winfrey throws her hat in the ring?" Blitzer asked.
"You're going to have to get him on the show and ask him that," Castro said with a laugh.
Castro is not the only Democratic congressman to encourage Winfrey's candidacy. Rep. Jackie Speier (D., Calif.) tweeted "Run, Oprah, run!" on Monday as her Golden Globes speech was spreading across the media landscape.
Sources close to Winfrey have said she is considering running, but she has not made an announcement.