EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke has endorsed mayoral candidate Renard Johnson, his team announced in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 16. According to Johnson's team, his other endorsements include Senator Cesar Blanco, County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, County Commissioner Carlos Leon, Senator Eliot Shapleigh, and Mayor John Cook. Crowded field of 8 vie to succeed Leeser as mayor "Renard envisions an El Paso where our kids have opportunities to start great careers. His vision includes improving economic development to not only make us competitive with other Texas cities but to improve quality of life, tourism, and infrastructure. I believe his economic development plan will also help to lower local property taxes with a focus on stronger commercial and industrial development. It's clear he's the leader El Paso needs right now, and I urge people to vote for him this November 5th," said O'Rourke. "My list of more than 80 endorsements includes labor unions, doctors, real estate agents, local business owners, lawyers, veterans, elected officials, and more. I'm honored to include Beto in my list of endorsements, and I'm eager to build a better El Paso for us all," said Johnson. Johnson also received endorsements from local labor unions, including the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the United Association Local Union No. 412 for plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and service techs (UA 412). 2024 Election – Voting Guide: What you need to know Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Nov. 1, and Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5.