Texas Senator Ted Cruz became the first official presidential candidate Sunday, announcing his bid on Twitter with a video message.
I’m running for President and I hope to earn your support! pic.twitter.com/0UTqaIoytP
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 23, 2015
“It’s a time for truth, a time to rise to the challenge just as Americans have always done,” Cruz narrated in a video. “”I’m ready to stand with you to lead the fight.”
Cruz became a senator in 2013 as a member of the Tea Party, carrying a rigid conservative message. Since joining the Senate, Cruz has vehemently opposed President Obama’s policies, notably Obamacare, which he led the fight to shut down the government in 2013 over the healthcare law.
He was successful, as the government shutdown in October, 2013 for close to two weeks as lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and the Senate couldn’t reach a deal on appropriating funds for fiscal year 2014—mainly because of Cruz’s pressure to defund Obamacare.
Cruz’s role in the shutdown rose his profile rose in the media and among lawmakers; the majority of both blamed him for the shutdown.
Other conservatives expected to run against Cruz include Senator Rand Paul, former Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Chris Christie, Dr. Ben Carson, former Senator Rick Santorum, former Governor Rick Perry, and more.
Cruz is expected to formally announce his run Monday at Liberty University.