WASHINGTON – Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has announced that he is running for president in 2016. The announcement over Twitter shortly after midnight Monday makes Cruz the first major-party candidate to announce. “I believe in American and her people, and I believe we can stand up and restore our promise,” Cruz said in a 30-second announcement video. He said it would take “a new generation of courageous conservatives to help make America great again,” and declared, “I’m ready to stand with you — to lead the fight.” He’ll make a formal announcement later Monday at Liberty University, in Virginia.

I’m running for President and I hope to earn your support! pic.twitter.com/0UTqaIoytP — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 23, 2015