And in the center ring today, it's BEN CARSON, who announced his official candidacy for the 2016 Republican nomination today. The 2016 GOP beauty contest is now officially underway, with Mr. Florida (Marco Rubio), Mr. Texas (Ted Cruz), and Mr. Kentucky (Rand Paul). With the addition of Mr. Maryland, that sets the stage for the next wave. The Hill: “I’m willing to be part of the equation and therefore, I’m announcing my candidacy for president of the United States of America,” Carson told WKRC. “Many people have suggested to me that I should run for president, even though I’m not a politician,” the Republican added. “I began to ask myself 'why are people clamoring for me to do this?' I represented a lot of the same thoughts that they have,” Carson told the television station.