NEW YORK, March 23. /TASS/. US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has become the first politician to announce his bid in the 2016 presidential election on Monday.
Cruz wrote in his Twitter microblog that he is running for president and hopes to earn the support of voters. He is expected to make an official statement later today at Virginia at Liberty University.
Cruz openly identifies with the Tea Party movement known for its conservative positions and is one of the staunchest critics of President Barack Obama policies, especially in the sphere of healthcare.
Cruz, 44, was born in Canada to a Cuban father and American mother. In 2014, he renounced his Canadian citizenship. Cruz is the first Hispanic Senator from Texas.
Among the Republicans, the highest chances to be nominated for presidency are with Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of former president George W. Bush; New Jersey Governor Chris Christie; Senators Marco Rubio and Rand Paul; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker; former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee; Congressman Paul Ryan and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson.
The most probable candidates from the Democratic Party are former State Secretary Hillary Clinton and current Vice-President Joseph Biden.
US President Barack Obama cannot run for presidency again, as he is serving his second term.
Donald Trump's bid for presidency
In February, US entrepreneur and billionaire Donald Trump told The Washington Post he is "more serious than ever" about running for president in 2016. However, he has not yet officially announced his presidential bid.
"Everybody feels I’m doing this just to have fun or because it’s good for the brand," he told The Washington Post. "Well, it’s not fun. I’m doing this for enjoyment, I’m doing this because the country is in serious trouble," he added.
Trump is famous for his extravagance and self-advertising. In particular, he hosts NBC’s "Celebrity Apprentice."
According to the newspaper, Trump hired staffers in primary states and retained an election attorney. The billionaire intended to participate in 2012 presidential elections, but withdrew his candidacy several months before the primaries, saying he is not ready to leave business.