FORT WORTH, Texas — President Obama’s expected nomination of Julian Castro, San Antonio’s mayor, as secretary of Housing and Urban Development could test the 39-year-old’s ability to navigate Washington politics ahead of 2016 elections, Texas Democrats say.
Since Castro gave the 2012 keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, his star has been on the rise, with his name often included among possible vice presidential contenders.
‘‘This is an important step for Julian,’’ said Henry Cisneros, a HUD secretary under President Clinton and a former mayor of San Antonio.
‘‘If indeed he has the capability to be what we all think he can be,’’ Cisneros said, he can prove it by performing well at the helm of the federal housing agency.
Job performance aside, Castro’s background could be his main selling point.
If Castro is nominated to preside over HUD and confirmed by the Senate, he would become one of the highest-ranking Hispanic officials in the Obama administration.
As San Antonio’s mayor, Castro spearheaded a voter-approved preschool program; set up a walk-in center for high school students seeking guidance on college; and initiated revitalization of some of San Antonio’s most downtrodden neighborhoods.