Tim Ryan ‘seriously considering’ 2020 bid

Rep. Tim RyanTimothy (Tim) RyanMinnesota AG Keith Ellison says racism is a bigger problem than police behavior; 21 states see uptick in cases amid efforts to reopen Congress must fill the leadership void Pelosi pushes to unite party on coronavirus bill despite grumbling from left MORE (D-Ohio), a high-profile House moderate, said Wednesday evening he is “seriously considering” a presidential run in 2020.

“I am seriously considering it,” @RepTimRyan says when asked about making a 2020 presidential run.
Click Here: Fjallraven Kanken Art Spring Landscape Backpacks“I don’t feel any pressure to make any particular announcement anytime soon,” he goes on to tell @ErinBurnett.https://t.co/UPpRlDdJB0 pic.twitter.com/DfRvdaopJA

— OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) February 14, 2019

“I don’t feel any pressure for any timeline for this point, but I am seriously considering it,” he told CNN host Erin Burnett. 

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“The country is divided, we can’t get anything done because of these huge divisions that we have and people in communities like the one I represent, Erin, are suffering because of this division. You can’t win the future divided, a divided country is a weak country, and I’m concerned about that. I don’t feel any pressure to make any particular announcement anytime soon, but it is something I’m really worried about.” 

Ryan rose to prominence after challenging then-House Minority Leader Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Pelosi: Georgia primary ‘disgrace’ could preview an election debacle in November MORE (D-Calif.) for her post in 2016. He garnered about a third of the Democratic conference’s support in the unsuccessful effort, underlining significant divisions within the caucus. 

Since then, he has opposed President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE and touted moderate policies he would like to see pushed through Congress.

He first raised eyebrows among 2020 prognosticators after making trips to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, three states that will hold crucial primary races in the Democratic nomination contest. 

Democratic Sens. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (Calif.), Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (Mass.), Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Warren, Pressley introduce bill to make it a crime for police officers to deny medical care to people in custody Senate Dems press DOJ over coronavirus safety precautions in juvenile detention centers MORE (N.Y.), Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (N.J.) and Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (Minn.) have already announced 2020 bids, and heavyweights such as former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE and Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) waiting in the wings.

Should Ryan throw his hat into the ring, he would likely run in the same lane as Klobuchar, Biden and possibly Sen. Sherrod BrownSherrod Campbell BrownHillicon Valley: Senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests | Amazon pauses police use of its facial recognition tech | FBI warns hackers are targeting mobile banking apps Democratic senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests Some realistic solutions for income inequality MORE (D-Ohio), seeking to appeal to both their moderate base and blue-collar workers with progressive economic policies on trade and labor.