The former American First Lady Hillary Clinton has told donors and supporters she's running for the White House.
The Democrat has officially declared her intention to become America's first female President. She has already received the backing of sitting President Barack Obama.
The former Secretary of State and First Lady has long been the runaway favourite to be the party's candidate for the election next November.
Republican challengers Ted Cruz and Jeb Brush say she'll bring 'more of the same' - and are calling on Americans to vote for a conservative leader.
It was expected Mrs Clinton would make the announcement via a video message on Twitter before heading off to a first campaign event in Iowa. However, the New York Times reported that an aide first told donors and supporters that Mrs Clinton will be running for president in 2016.
The 'Getting Started' video has since been released, along with the official campaign website.
I'm running for president. Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion. –H https://t.co/w8Hoe1pbtC
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 12, 2015
Mrs Clinton has signalled that she intends to run on strengthening economic security for the middle class and expanding opportunities for working families.
Bob Mulholland is a former senior advisor to the California Democratic Party, and he spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about Mrs Clinton's decision to run:
The Midwest state of Iowa was where Mrs Clinton's last campaign for president in 2008 began to unravel when she lost the caucuses to then senator Barack Obama.
Iowans are the first to vote for their candidates and Mrs Clinton is reported to be planning on a low key meeting a small group of voters. She is trying to counter the image that she is out of touch with real Americans.
The state, which has traditionally been evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, is currently hosting its annual horse fair and attendees gave Mrs Clinton's expected candidacy a mixed reception.
Katherine Resler said: "I won't vote for her. I don't think she is very trustworthy. I don't think she relates well to other people."
Hannah Hilsabeck said: "I definitely think we need to have a woman in office. I think that would be huge for all women everywhere and just show we can do just as good a job as a guy can."
Opinion polls
Opinion polls have consistently put Mrs Clinton ahead of potential Republican rivals but the gap has narrowed in recent weeks.
Tom Davis, a former Republican congressman who now campaigns for bipartisanship in American politics for the 'No Labels' movement, told Sky News: "She clearly has one of the strongest resumes in American politics.
"She's got to go out and be three dimensional. If you stay isolated and you're running ads and on a podium and you're giving lectures, it doesn't work. She has to mix it up."
Republicans have been quick to air attack ads, questioning Mrs Clinton's use of a personal email server and foreign donations to the Clinton Foundation while she was America's top diplomat.
Mr Obama, speaking at the Summit of the Americas in Panama, gave his endorsement to his former rival and colleague.
He said: "She was a formidable candidate in 2008, she was a great supporter of mine in the general election, she was an outstanding Secretary of State, she is my friend, I think she would be an excellent President."
Mrs Clinton's expected candidacy was welcomed by supporters at a rally in her home state of New York. Her campaign has learned lessons from that of Mr Obama seven years ago and is expected to hit a fundraising total of $1bn.
Florida senator Marco Rubio is expected to this week join the Republican race, which so far consists of senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who has formed an exploratory committee, is considered the favourite for the Republican nomination.
Originally published 12/04/2015
