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The reference to a “new generation” could be seen as a jab at former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who hails from a politically famous family that includes a brother and a father who were presidents.

Cruz, who also launched a new presidential campaign site, will further address his candidacy during a convocation speech at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia Monday. Ahead of the speech, photos surfaced of Cruz and his family preparing for the announcement day with a walk-through that included a practice kiss between Cruz and his wife.

\"PHOTO:
Andrew Harnik/AP Photo
PHOTO: Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, kisses his wife Heidi, during a walk-through for his Monday speech where he will launch his campaign for president at Liberty University on Sunday, March 22, 2015, in Lynchburg, Va.
>

Cruz, 44, is the first major presidential candidate to officially announce a presidential campaign this year.

Cruz’s video message was sent to his 353,000 followers on Twitter – a social media platform he has embraced since his 2012 Senate campaign that transformed him from a political unknown to a Tea Party star.

In 2011, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich became the first person to ever use Twitter to announce a presidential campaign.

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