Sen. Rand Paul: 'I'm Running for President'

Sen. Rand Paul launched his 2016 presidential campaign Tuesday, making it offical at a rally in his home state of Kentucky.

"I have a message, a message that is loud and clear and does not mince words," he told cheering supporters. "We have come to take our country back."

Paul became the second Republican to officially join the race for the White House Tuesday.

"I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government," he wrote in a post on his website earlier.

CBN News Political Correspondent David Brody breaks down what Sen. Paul's announcement means for the Republican field for the 2016 Election.

The Tea Party favorite kicked off his presidential run with the rally in downtown Louisville. His campaign swing eventually hit all 50 states.

Paul's announcement follows Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who made his campaign official last month. But he could face as many as 20 Republican rivals for the nomination before the lead-off Iowa caucuses early next year.

Watch Sen. Rand Paul's announcement below:

Since being elected senator, Paul has been reaching out to young people and minority voters.

But it's unclear how much GOP support the libertarian-leaning Paul can muster since he has resisted the party on issues like the size of the military and government surveillance.

In a pre-announcement video he showed no signs of backing down.

"On April 7, one leader will stand up to defeat the Washington machine and unleash the American dream," Paul's political committee announced in a Web video before Tuesday's event.

Paul is seen as tech savvy and youth-focused, and he is expected to be an Internet juggernaut his competitors will be forced to chase.

He may also retain much of the support his father Rep. Ron Paul garnered during his previous runs for the White House.

CBN News Political Reporter David Brody will have an exclusive interview with Sen. Paul.