Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Beto O'Rourke

How Beto O'Rourke built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Beto O'Rourke is an American politician prominent in the Democratic Party. He served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 16th congressional district (2013-2019). He gained national attention during his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign against incumbent Ted Cruz, which he narrowly lost. O'Rourke also sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and was the Democratic nominee for Texas governor in 2022. While unsuccessful in these higher-profile races, he remains a visible figure in American politics and a voice in the Democratic party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1998: Returned to El Paso

In 1998, Beto O'Rourke returned to El Paso and worked with computers at his mother's furniture store.

2000: Co-founded Stanton Street Technology Group

In 2000, Beto O'Rourke co-founded Stanton Street Technology Group, an Internet services and software company.

June 14, 2005: Chosen as Mayor Pro Tem

On June 14, 2005, Beto O'Rourke was chosen as mayor pro tem at his first city council meeting.

2005: Elected to El Paso City Council

In 2005, Beto O'Rourke was elected to the El Paso City Council.

June 20, 2006: Relinquished Mayor Pro Tem Position

On June 20, 2006, Beto O'Rourke relinquished the position of mayor pro tem.

2007: Re-elected to City Council

In 2007, Beto O'Rourke won re-election to a second term on the El Paso City Council, defeating Trini Acevedo.

January 2009: Sponsored Resolution on War on Drugs

In January 2009, Beto O'Rourke sponsored a resolution calling for a "comprehensive examination" of the War on Drugs and the repeal of ineffective marijuana laws.

2011: End of City Council Service

In 2011, Beto O'Rourke concluded his service on the El Paso City Council.

2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2012, Beto O'Rourke was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives after defeating Silvestre Reyes in the primary.

2012: Won Democratic Primary

In 2012, Beto O'Rourke won the Democratic primary against Silvestre Reyes to represent Texas's 16th congressional district and later won the general election.

March 2013: Introduced Border Enforcement Accountability Act

In March 2013, Beto O'Rourke and Steve Pearce introduced the Border Enforcement Accountability, Oversight, and Community Engagement Act.

2013: U.S. Representative

In 2013, Beto O'Rourke began serving as the U.S. representative for Texas's 16th congressional district.

2014: Co-sponsored Appropriations Act

In 2014, Beto O'Rourke co-sponsored the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act.

2014: Re-elected to the House

In 2014, O'Rourke was re-elected to the House of Representatives.

2014: Donated Campaign Funds and Re-election

In the fall of 2014, Beto O'Rourke donated at least $28,000 from his campaign funds to fellow Democratic candidates and was re-elected with 67 percent of the vote.

June 22, 2016: Participation in House Sit-In for Gun Control

On June 22, 2016, Beto O'Rourke participated in the sit-in in the House of Representatives that attempted to force a vote on gun control legislation. He transmitted images by cell phone to social media for C-SPAN to broadcast when the Republicans ordered C-SPAN to turn off its normal coverage of the chamber.

September 2016: Approval of Amendments to VA Accountability Act

In September 2016, the House unanimously approved three bills attached as amendments to H.R. 5620, also known as the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016. These included the Vet Connect Act of 2016 (H.R. 5162), the Ask Veterans Act (H.R. 1319), and the Get Vets a Doc Now Act (H.R. 5501).