LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke hosted two meet and greets in Las Vegas.
13 Action News was present at both events.
RELATED: Beto O’Rourke speaks in Las Vegas
On Sunday, he campaigned at Arandas Taqueria and Pour Coffeehouse, two minority-owned businesses.
Presidential hopeful @BetoORourke is soon to speak to supporters this morning at Arandas Taqueria. It’s his first trip out west since launching his campaign. He’ll also be at the Pour Coffeehouse today at noon. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/X2Qc47p0PC
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 24, 2019
He greeted the crowds and began his speeches in Spanish. He leapt on a counter, a cooler, and on top of a van to discuss climate change, immigration reform, education, worker’s rights, health care.
O'Rourke told voters Las Vegas reminds him of home; the desert, the mountains, the dry "feels right."
He also said his campaign is about a democracy that includes everyone.
“I’m looking forward to the conversation and serving you.” @KTNV pic.twitter.com/luWyxpVgna
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 24, 2019
"If we are going to meet these challenges, then we need a democracy that expects and brings out the best from all of us. No me importa (I don't care) if you're a Democrat or a Republican or an Independent. The only thing that matter is that you're an American, a human being, and [that] you're here in this country with a chance to act," said O'Rourke.
A 9-year-old named Ruby was the first to start the Q&A.
"How would you make school safer with gun safety?" asked Ruby.
O’Rourke said anyone who wants to buy a firearm should go through a universal background check.
Ruby, a child in the crowd, asked about school safety. @BetoORourke’s response— universal background checks for everyone, weapons designed military MUST stay in the battle field. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/40k1TcrKFS
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 24, 2019
"Ensuring weapons designed for war that are used in the battlefield, weapons designed for the purpose of killing people should stay on the battlefield and are not sold into our communities," said O’Rourke.
The presidential candidate also focused education and said educators need to get paid more.
Crowd waiting on @BetoORourke. @POURcoffeehouse is at capacity. The crowd may be larger than the first event. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/5C4JUDwbll
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 24, 2019
"Recruit and retain teachers who look like the students in their classrooms,” said O’Rourke while he stood on top of the coffee shop’s counter.
Supporters hope Las Vegas votes for Beto O’Rourke during the 2020 election.
"I think him talking about preserving our environment, I know on the Nevada-California border we have Lake Tahoe and other places like the Mojave Desert, we need to preserve those gems," said Ryan McGurk.
"He wants a more equal society," said Zadeiah Juarez.
"He spoke about health care and the opioid use. We have the Nellis Air Force Base here and I think the benefits he wants for people are really going to help here."
