Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld announced Monday that he will mount a Republican primary challenge against President Trump. Weld was governor of the Bay State from 1991 to 1997, and was the Libertarian Party’s vice-presidential nominee in 2016, sharing a ticket with former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. Weld announced earlier this year that he formed an exploratory committee for a possible presidential run, but he made his campaign official on Monday.

"Ours is a nation built on courage, resilience, and independence.  In these times of great political strife, when both major parties are entrenched in their "win at all cost" battles, the voices of the American people are being ignored and our nation is suffering,” Weld said in a statement on Monday. “It is time for patriotic men and women across our great nation to stand and plant a flag. It is time to return to the principles of Lincoln – equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.  There is no greater cause on earth than to preserve what truly makes America great. I am ready to lead that fight.”