Hillary Clinton just announced her 2016 presidential campaign

YouTube

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces her campaign for president.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton officially launched her long expected presidential campaign on Sunday.

"I'm running for president," Clinton says in a video posted on her new campaign website. "So I'm hitting the road to earn your vote."

Her announcement message also hinted that her campaign will be based on populist economic themes.

"Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times. But the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top. Everyday Americans need a champion and I want to be the champion," she said.

Watch the announcement video below:

Her announcement was first revealed by an email her expected campaign chair, John Podesta, reportedly sent to donors and other supporters.

"I wanted to make sure you heard it first from me - it's official: Hillary's running for president," Podesta wrote. "She is hitting the road to Iowa to talk directly with voters."

Clinton, also a former US senator and first lady, begins the race as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination in 2016, according to polls and other indicators of support. 

Other potential Democratic candidates include Vice President Joe Biden, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (D), and former Sen. Jim Webb (D-Virginia).

Two major Republicans, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), have already announced their 2016 White House bids. Another Republican, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida), is expected to kickoff his campaign on Monday.

This post will be updated with additional information shortly.