Ted Cruz Announces Bid for 2016 Presidential Election

Texas Senator Ted Cruz became the first major contender for the 2016 presidential election Monday when he announced his intention to run via Twitter.

Cruz, who has been travelling to various U.S. cities for speaking engagements ahead of the announcement, saying via the social media platform that he hopes to earn voters' support in his quest for the presidency.

"I'm running for President and I hope to earn your support!" Cruz tweeted, adding a link to a campaign advertisement.

"It's a time for truth, a time to rise to the challenge just as Americans have always done. I believe in America and her people and I believe we can stand up and restore our promise. It's going to take a new generation of courageous conservatives to make America great again and I'm ready to stand with you to lead the fight," he says in the campaign video, which indicates at the end that it is paid for by "Cruz for America."

As ABC News suggests, Cruz's reference to a "new generation" may be related to the possible 2016 candidacy of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who is a part of the long line of Bush family members in American politics.

Although Cruz made his announcement via Twitter, the Texas senator launched his presidential campaign officially at the evangelical Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

In his speech delivered Monday at the Christian college, Cruz focused on God's plan for America and how he believes God "isn't done with America yet."

"God has blessed America from the very beginning of this nation, and I believe God isn't done with America yet," Cruz told the crowd of supporters.