Cruz Running for Re-election in 2018

Ted Cruz said Wednesday he plans to seek a second term in the U.S. Senate. This comes the week after the Texan dropped out of the GOP presidential contest.

by Patrick Svitek

AP Photo/Senate TV

*Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is officially running for re-election in 2018.

Cruz filed paperwork Wednesday afternoon to seek a second term, adding some clarity to his political future just over a week after he ended his presidential campaign. 

"Heidi and I feel incredibly privileged to have made the run for president and be part of an incredible grassroots movement," Cruz said in a statement. "I will continue fighting for jobs, freedom and security in the Senate for 27 million Texans and all Americans across this great country."

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While Cruz could change his mind, the announcement puts to rest some speculation that he would sit out a second term to prepare for a comeback bid for the White House in 2020. In any case, he is not expected to face a serious Republican challenge for his seat in 2018. 

Cruz's re-election plans received attention Wednesday morning, when Cruz said "yes" in response to a reporter in Washington, D.C., who had asked him if he would seek a second term, according to CNN and The Hill. Cruz's office later confirmed the exchange, and his political operation released a letter to the Senate and Federal Election Commission that formalized his decision.

Cruz was first elected to the Senate in 2012, when he upset then-Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in the Republican primary to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison.