Ted Cruz Expected to Announce White House Bid Monday

Sen. Ted Cruz plans to announce that he will run for president on Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The Texas Republican was elected to the Senate in 2012, and has since gained popularity among the Tea Party wing of the GOP for his conservative views and challenges to party leadership. His 21-hour filibuster in 2013, an effort to defund Obamacare, also generated attention.

Cruz confirmed the news with a tweet just after midnight that unveiled a campaign video:

I'm running for President and I hope to earn your support! pic.twitter.com/0UTqaIoytP

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 23, 2015

Other potential candidates – such as Republican rivals former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former neurosurgeon Ben Carson – have chosen to announce that they have formed an exploratory committee before formally announcing a White House bid.

But unnamed aides told the Chronicle that Cruz is “done exploring,” and plans to skip this step. Therefore, Cruz will be the first GOP candidate to officially enter the race.

The Chronicle reported that Cruz would make his announcement Monday during a speech at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Here’s how some reacted to the news on Twitter before Cruz’s after-midnight tweet:

CRUZ JUMPS IN FIRST… http://t.co/jlBqz1SpnI

— DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) March 22, 2015

Ted Cruz to announce 2016 presidential bid tomorrow. http://t.co/gsNqL1iexf Not my top choice, but he’ll make it fun to watch. #tcot #gop — Mark Eckenrode (@EcksFile) March 22, 2015

PRESIDENT Ted Cruz sure has a nice ring to it .. #Cruz2016 pic.twitter.com/8caSgEdJ48

— Travis Leslie (@LonestarLeslie) March 22, 2015

Why is @tedcruz announcing at @LibertyU? In 2012 57% of GOP Iowa caucus voters were evangelicals. — Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) March 22, 2015

I’ll donate. Ted Cruz Is Planning to Take the White House — and He’s About to Pull a Move Th… http://t.co/Yrd8JJAMuO via @theblaze

— Corky Engel (@corkyengel) March 22, 2015

Say what you will, but Ted Cruz will make 2016 soooo much more interesting. — Kathleen McKinley (@KatMcKinley) March 22, 2015

There’s a lot to like about @tedcruz, @marcorubio and @SenRandPaul . I still prefer governors over senators.

— Phineas Fahrquar (@irishspy) March 22, 2015

I’m all in with Ted Cruz. I mean, Walker would be my first choice, but Cruz is second. ???? #tcot — Mike Dury (@MikeDury) March 22, 2015

The clown car gets its first rider on Monday. http://t.co/vcAbds0WO5

— The Jefferson Papers (@JeffersonPapers) March 22, 2015

YESSSSS ???? best news ever #Cruz2016 http://t.co/PEIKUW4gkK — Abby (@abbycaroline18) March 22, 2015

Ted Cruz … another Senator with limited experience. Pass.

— Yo (@yo60640) March 22, 2015

I’ll take Ted Cruz over another Bush in a second. — William J. Esposito (@espowill123) March 22, 2015

@SenTedCruz to announce his Presidential run 2016. My mind is made up already. #Cruz2016 @iadoreem @only18powers @tracieeeeee @Patriotic_Me

— Liberty Amendments (@libertyvtyranny) March 22, 2015

Ted Cruz running for president is like an early Easter present for the Democratic Party. #RUNTEDRUN — Josef Starc (@jstar_c) March 22, 2015

He not only goes toe to toe with Dems, but also with establishment Repubs. He’s not a stooge for the GOP. Love that about him. #Cruz2016

— Harry Chaconas (@HarryChaconas) March 22, 2015

Thanks, but no thanks, @tedcruz. #2016 — Erin Murray Quinlan (@Murricaned) March 22, 2015

The @tedcruz decisive & early Presidential announcement is a direct shot at listing Scott Walker campaign thats leaking Conservative support

— Norsu (@Norsu2) March 22, 2015

Ladies and Gents, the next President: http://t.co/RL9sJKoBNt — David Robson (@davidrobsonplay) March 22, 2015