John Delaney announces 2020 presidential bid

It is July 2017 but we have already had our first candidate announced their intentions to run for president in 2020, about two years before most candidate normally would. Yesterday, Democrat and Representative from Maryland John Delaney announced his intention to run for the White House in 2020. Delaney laid out his plans and platform in an op-ed published in the 'Washington Post' titled “Why I'm running for president.”

What did Delaney say in his announcement?

In his op-ed piece, John Delaney announced that he would not run for reelection to the House in 2018. He cited that this decision so that he could “do this work with the commitment it deserves.”

This also shows that he is clearly going all in on what could be over a three-year run as a Presidential Candidate if he were to get the Democratic nomination.

Considering President Donald Trump has already been raising money for his reelection campaign, it may make sense for a Democrat to try to get an early start.

Delaney laid out his agenda and vision for the future in the piece for the 'Washington Post.' He called for an overhaul of America's infrastructure, as well as tax reform. He also said he would increase investment in science and research, saying “My focus is on preparing our country for the future.” Delaney also cited the need to reform education, immigration, and health-care and take steps to reduce climate, fiscal and security risks.

Who is John Delaney?

John Delaney was born and raised in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey as the son of an electrical worker and a homemaker.

He went on to get his BS at Columbia University and his Doctorate at Georgetown University Law Center. In 1993 he helped co-found Health Care Financial Partners and by 1998 the company was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2000, he helped co-found CapitalSource, eventually become CEO and the company was also publicly traded on the NYSE.

In 2012, Delaney ran for the seat in Western Maryland's 6th district, defeating four Democrat challenges in the primary. He then won the race against 10-term Republican incumbent Roscoe Barlett and has since won reelection against in 2014 and 2016. At 54-years-old he is a self-made financier, with a net worth of around $90 million, making him one of the wealthiest members of Congress.

Delaney has been described as a moderate Democrat and had been rumored to be considered to be running for governor of Maryland before his presidential announcement.