Marco Rubio, who enjoyed the support of the Tea Party in his successful run for Florida’s senatorial seat in 2010, has announced on a conference call to his donors that he is indeed throwing his hat into the 2016 ring as a presidential candidate. He is set to formally announce at a rally at Miami’s Freedom Tower. You can watch the event live here beginning at 5:30 eastern. Victory Girl, Deanna, has further details here.

And the news is spreading like wildfire:

In a conference call Monday, @marcorubio tells his top donors that he is running for president,@AP reports. #FNPolitics #FoxNews

— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) April 13, 2015

Breaking News: Marco Rubio Announces 2016 Presidential Bidhttp://t.co/dcLh2AGmnk

— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 13, 2015

Rubio tweeted out behind-the-scenes pics in preparation for his announcement this afternoon (h/t IJReview):

Check out these behind-the-scenes photos just posted by @ijreview http://t.co/ineB6zbOLz

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 13, 2015

Last week, at the NRA’s annual Leadership Forum, Rubio gave a rousing speech:

While his personal story is inspirational, and light years better than the moldy leftovers the D’s are offering up, Rubio will have some explaining to do, however, given his Gang of Eight immigration bill support, and then rejection, which was seen by many as supportive of amnesty for the eleven million-plus illegals now residing in this country, a number that is growing exponentially under Obama’s “leadership.” Rubio has also been accused of looking squishy on the Second Amendment. For most of us on the Right Side of the Aisle, a solid supporter of our natural rights to self defense is a must. Any other stance is likely a deal breaker, and Rubio will have to overcome that criticism if he wants to be the GOP’s nominee for POTUS. Rubio is also pretty cozy with fellow Floridian and former governor, Jeb Bush, a potential candidate himself who has support for Common Core and amnesty baggage hanging around his neck.

Victory Girls will update with the video of Rubio’s announcement speech as it becomes available.

The race is on, folks. Buckle your seat belts.