WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio announced on Monday the beginning of his presidential campaign for the 2016 election, local media reported.
Rubio's bid for the nomination was preceded by his fellow Republicans – Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. Democratic ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined the presidential race on Sunday.
Rubio is a conservative on financial, social and family matters, particularly opposing same-sex marriage. He speaks against limits on US defense spending and supports initiatives to balance the federal budget. Rubio has repeatedly expressed his disbelieve that humanity is changing climate, saying that addressing climate change would destroy the US economy.
Several other Republican and Democratic candidates are expected to announce their presidential bids for the 58th US election that will be held in November 2016. The expected candidates include ex-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the younger brother of ex-President George W. Bush, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, among others.