Following months of travel across the country and around the world, Governor Scott Walker on Monday officially launched his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.
Speaking at the Waukesha County Expo Center, the Republican governor laid out his vision for America to a crowd of about 5,000 supporters. Walker said “After a great deal of thought and a whole lot of prayer, we are proud to announce that I am officially running to serve as your President of the United States of America.”
The governor ultimately credited his decision to a desire to make sure his sons Matt and Alex, along with the rest of their generation, “grow up in a country that is at least as great as the one we inherited.”
Much of Walker’s announcement speech echoed comments he’s already made while traveling around the country this spring. He touched on a strong desire for the United States to combat radical Islamic terrorism, calling it “the greatest threat to future generations.” He also talked at length about his humble upbringing in a middle class family, while being raised on the belief that “if you work hard and play by the rules, you can do and be anything you want. That’s the American Dream. And that is worth fighting for.”
AUDIO: Gov. Scott Walker (1:28)
The governor’s announcement was met with strong criticism from many of his opponents. Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairwoman Martha Laning said “Scott Walker has enacted some of the most egregious legislative record of any governor in the United States, hurting our middle class and our working families.” Laning said it’s a message they will work to bring to voters nationwide, as Walker hits the campaign trail.
Walker enters an already crowded field of Republicans seeking the GOP nomination, although he has consistently finished near the top of recent polls. From Wisconsin, the governor embarks on a multi-state tour of early voting states, includes Nevada, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Iowa.