Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has officially thrown his hat into the 2016 Presidential race, becoming the first serious Republican contender for the oval office to do so.
The announcement isn’t a total surprise, especially since he was expected to make it official after rumors this weekend. Still, he waited until 12:09 a.m. this morning to tweet his news.
“I’m running for President and I hope to earn your support!” Cruz wrote. He also included a 30-second video, filled with glamorous images from around the country.
“It’s a time for truth,” Cruz says in the video. “A time to rise to the challenge just as Americans have always done. I believe in the American people and I believe we can stand up and restore our promise. It’s going to take a new generation of courageous conservatives to help make America great again. and I’m ready to stand with you to lead the fight.”
Cruz, 44, has been the junior senator from Texas since his election in 2012. Since then, he has widely been seen as a potential presidential candidate and he will be an easy alternative for any Republican looking to get a young conservative in the oval office. He has also led the fight against President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act.