Carlo Allegri/Reuters
Sen. Marco Rubio announced his re-election bid on Wednesday with a blog post on his website. The move is a reversal of a pledge he made a year ago, when he decided to run for president or return to his once-private life. Rumors have swirled in recent weeks of his plans to re-enter the Senate race. "In the end, there was simply too much at stake for any other choice," Rubio wrote.
"If [Trump] is elected, we will need Senators willing to encourage him in the right direction, and if necessary, stand up to him," he said. "I’ve proven a willingness to do both." Rubio also pointed out that he still finds the possibility of a Trump presidency "worrisome."
Following Rubio's announcement, his former presidential primary rival Ted Cruz gave a full-throated endorsement: “Marco is a friend and has been an ally in many battles we have fought together in the Senate. I'm glad to support him in his bid for re-election.”