Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal Announces Presidential Bid
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana jumped into the crowded 2016 presidential race Wednesday with plans to focus his campaign on winning over Christian Conservatives.
Jindal made the announcement on his website early Wednesday posting "My name is Bobby Jindal, and I am running for president of the United States of America," hours before a planned kickoff rally set to take place.
Jindal will look to win over a large group of evangelical voters during his candidacy as he has been building his campaign for months traveling to key voting states, focusing on Christian Conservatives.
Raised a Hindu, but a convert to Catholicism as a teenager, Jindal has previously highlighted religious freedom as part of his campaign strategy.
The new candidate put out an executive order in May, to grant a special "religious freedom," to protect residents in Louisiana who oppose same-sex marriage.
The accomplished two-term governor intends to represent himself as "the youngest candidate with the longest resume," which includes his successful background in public policy and government.
The 44-year-old candidate has a broad political background including being appointed to state health care secretary at 24, election to Congress at 32, and governor four years later.
Jindal is competing with other Republican candidates including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. Mike Huckabee, who are also aiming to appeal to evangelical voters.
