Ted Cruz became the first presidential candidate to throw his hat in the ring.

Just after midnight, Ted Cruz posted the announcement to Twitter.

The video that he posted in the tweet features Ted Cruz speaking as as images of farm fields, city skylines and American landmarks and symbols played in the background.

Ted Cruz said, “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 help make America great again, and I’m ready to stand with you to lead the fight.”

As a grassroots tea party favorite, Ted Cruz quickly established himself as an uncompromising conservative who was willing to take on Democrats and Republicans after his election to the Senate in 2012.

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

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 23, 2015

Since then, Ted Cruz has made some radically conservative moves, like supporting a government shutdown in order to try to block Obama’s health care law funding and forcing a vote against Obama’s executive action on immigration. These moves were criticized by more moderate Republicans.

In fact, Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said at the time, “You should have an end goal in sight if you’re going to do these types of things and I don’t see an end goal other than irritating a lot of people.”

My @FOXNews interview on how Obama Admin. may be sanctioned for misleading judge on Obama's amnesty order: https://t.co/jl9C9C1Ul3 #tcot

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 20, 2015

However, to many, those bold moves were exactly what was called for in a time of desperation. While they both failed to achieve the goal, Ted Cruz was branded a man who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what is right.

Congrats to @Netanyahu — he's been an extraordinary leader for Israel! pic.twitter.com/mUHB7goxxS

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 18, 2015

The former head of the Tea Party Express, Amy Kremer, said that Ted Cruz’s announcement will cause the Republican pool of candidates to “take a quantum leap forward” adding that it “will excite the base in a way we haven’t seen in years.”

What do you think about Senator Ted Cruz’s presidential announcement?