Texas Senator Ted Cruz announces U.S. presidential bid

PanARMENIAN.Net - Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a conservative firebrand who frequently clashes with leaders of his Republican Party, became the first major figure from either party to jump into the 2016 U.S. presidential election race when he announced his candidacy on Twitter, according to Reuters.

"I'm running for President and I hope to earn your support!" Cruz said on his official Twitter page, an unusual forum for presidential candidates to announce such plans.

The message was accompanied by a 30-second video in which Cruz said: "I believe in America and her people, and I believe we can stand up and restore our promise." American scenes from southwestern landscapes to the Golden Gate Bridge were also shown.

"It's going to take a new generation of courageous conservatives to help make America great again," Cruz said, adding that he was ready "to lead the fight."

Cruz, 44, has built a reputation as an unyielding advocate for conservative principles in his two years in the Senate. As a presidential candidate, he is likely to portray himself as the most reliable proponent of small government, Reuters notes.

Cruz is a proven fundraiser, collecting $18 million for his Senate race and raising a further $2 million to distribute to other candidates, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. He will aim to raise between $40 million and $50 million over the course of the Republican primary campaign.