Sen. Ted Cruz: 'I Am Running for President'

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is running for president.

The senator formally announced his bid for the White House at Liberty University in Virginia on Monday morning.

"For so many Americans the promise of America seems more and more distant," he said.

He said his mission is about "reigniting the promise of America."

Earlier today, Cruz announced his plans on social media, tweeting "I'm running for president and I hope to earn your support."

Cruz is the first major 2016 presidential contender to formally declare his candidacy. In doing so, he could crowd out other potential candidates like former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.

All potential contenders have also made faith a primary part of their political identity.

CBN's David Brody talked about Cruz's announcement. Click below to watch.

As a pastor's son, Cruz is able to easily appeal to evangelicals for political support. Last fall he rallied with a group of Houston pastors to protest the city's subpoena of some of their sermons.

"The City of Houston has no power, no legal authority to silence the church," he said.

Other possible candidates competing for evangelical support include Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, also a pastor's son; and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who has spoken at several large prayer rallies.

Cruz also offers the potential to court Hispanic voters. As the son of an American mother and a Cuban-born father, he could become the nation's first Hispanic president.

With so many Democrats concerned about Hillary Clinton's potential problems in the wake of her email issues as Secretary of State, Republicans hope to gain the White House in 2016.

But first, as many as 20 Republican candidates have to navigate a tough race among themselves in what could be a long primary battle.