Ted Cruz launches presidential campaign at Christian college

Texas senator Ted Cruz will launch his campaign for the 2016 presidential election at Liberty University, Virginia. Reuters

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has today become the first official presidential candidate in the race for 2016, and will mark his campaign launch in a speech at Liberty University, Virginia, a Baptist institution and said to be the world's largest Christian university.

The Texas senator confirmed the news in a tweet early this morning. In his campaign launch video, which he shared on Twitter, he says "It's going to take a new generation of courageous Conservatives to help make America great again, and I'm ready to stand with you to lead the fight."

He will be joined by several Republican candidates in the coming weeks and television debates will begin in September.

Cruz, 44, is a tea party favourite and has a large support base among evangelical Christians. He was given a warm reception at last year's Values Voter Summit; the conference, which is hosted by the Family Research Council, is usually seen as an early indicator of conservative support for presidential candidates, and Cruz won the most support (25 per cent) in the poll at the end of the weekend.

article,article,article,article Related

A committed Southern Baptist, Cruz has been outspoken about religious freedom, both at home and abroad, and has taken a strong stance against same-sex marriage. He is currently seeking to introduce legislation to protect each state's right to make its own decision on the issue.

"I support traditional marriage and we should reject attempts by the Obama administration to force same-sex marriage on all 50 states," Cruz said in a statement.

The first-term senator has also been a staunch opponent of Obamacare, and famously read the Dr Seuss poem Green Eggs and Ham in the Senate during a 21-hour filibuster in an Obamacare debate in September 2013.

His hard-line opposition to Democrat policies is echoed by his father, pastor Rafael Cruz, director of Purifying Fire Ministries – the ministry of Suzanne Hinn (wife of Benny).

Cuban-born Rafael Cruz has compared Barack Obama's leadership approach to that of Fidel Castro, describing him as a Marxist who "seeks to destroy all concept of God".

At the Values Voter Summit Ted Cruz protrayed a bleak view of the current state of American politics, but said: "I am optimistic because I am convinced that God isn't done with America yet."

The early campaign launch will give Cruz a head-start on campaign funding and publicity. But there are a number of other Republican candidates vying for the conservative Christian vote, including Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee.

related articles
Sen Ted Cruz says Houston sermon subpoenas put religious freedom at stake
Sen Ted Cruz says Houston sermon subpoenas put religious freedom at stake

Sen Ted Cruz says Houston sermon subpoenas put religious freedom at stake

\'We need a spiritual resurrection\' – 1,000 evangelical pastors urged to run for political office
'We need a spiritual resurrection' – 1,000 evangelical pastors urged to run for political office

'We need a spiritual resurrection' – 1,000 evangelical pastors urged to run for political office

Republicans warn Iran that nuclear deal might not outlast Obama presidency
Republicans warn Iran that nuclear deal might not outlast Obama presidency

Republicans warn Iran that nuclear deal might not outlast Obama presidency

Sen. Ted Cruz says same-sex marriage rulings are \'a real danger to our liberty\'
Sen. Ted Cruz says same-sex marriage rulings are 'a real danger to our liberty'

Sen. Ted Cruz says same-sex marriage rulings are 'a real danger to our liberty'

News
Concerns for Christian freedoms in New South Wales after introduction of conversion therapy ban
Concerns for Christian freedoms in New South Wales after introduction of conversion therapy ban

Despite the testimony of many ex-LGBTQ people, the state of New South Wales insists that conversion therapy doesn't work.

The power of Good Friday: reflecting on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice
The power of Good Friday: reflecting on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice

Now, let’s be honest — calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion and death “Good” can sound strange, even contradictory. What’s good about an innocent man dying a brutal death on a cross? The answer lies in the purpose and outcome of that sacrifice.

The Supreme Court ruling on women was an important step forward but more needs to be done
The Supreme Court ruling on women was an important step forward but more needs to be done

We must go further and recognise throughout society and culture that no one can change their sex – only their appearance.