Sen. Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE (D-Colo.) launched his presidential bid Thursday morning, joining a crowded primary field of more than 20 contenders vying to take on President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE in 2020.

The Colorado lawmaker announced his plans on "CBS This Morning."

"My plan is to run for president," he said, adding that he would focus on restoring opportunities for Americans and integrity in government.

“I think this country faces two enormous challenges,” he added. “One is a lack of economic mobility and opportunity for most Americans, and the other is the need to restore integrity to our government.”

“If we continue to go down the path we’re going, and this isn’t just about President Trump, it’s about the politics that existed before he got there ... we’re going to be the first generation of Americans to leave less opportunity, not more, to the next generation.”

"If we keep going down this road, we’re going to be the first generation of Americans to leave less opportunity, not more." -- @SenatorBennethttps://t.co/X7ass6bczO pic.twitter.com/6IhnFxjnVo — CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) May 2, 2019

Bennet confirmed the announcement on Twitter.

“We cannot be the first generation to leave less to our kids, not more," he said. "That’s why I’m running for President.

“Let’s build opportunity for every American and restore integrity to our government.”

We cannot be the first generation to leave less to our kids, not more.



That’s why I’m running for President. Let’s build opportunity for every American and restore integrity to our government. — Michael Bennet (@MichaelBennet) May 2, 2019

ADVERTISEMENT

Bennet said in April that he would pursue the presidency if he beat his prostate cancer diagnosis. Bennet was declared cancer free later that month following a successful surgery.

The senator made headlines earlier this year when he blasted Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzCruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish Trump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes Press: Notorious RBG vs Notorious GOP MORE (R-Texas) regarding the government shutdown in a now-viral Senate floor speech.

Bennet unloaded on Cruz after he joined other Republican lawmakers in introducing a bill to pay members of the Coast Guard during the partial shutdown but not reopen the government.

The Colorado senator, who was appointed to his seat in 2009, gained some notoriety as a member of the so-called Gang of Eight, the bipartisan group that crafted a sweeping immigration reform bill in 2013. The bill never made it to the House.

Although he has been known as a moderate for bucking Democrats on issues like the Keystone XL pipeline, Bennet has moved closer to his colleagues to the left since Trump’s election.

Bennet, the 22nd Democrat to announce he is pursuing the party's nomination, joins many of his Senate colleagues including Sens. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenDimon: Wealth tax 'almost impossible to do' CNN's Don Lemon: 'Blow up the entire system' remark taken out of context Democrats shoot down talk of expanding Supreme Court MORE (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersOutrage erupts over Breonna Taylor grand jury ruling Dimon: Wealth tax 'almost impossible to do' Grand jury charges no officers in Breonna Taylor death MORE (I-Vt.) and Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHarris faces pivotal moment with Supreme Court battle Nearly 40 Democratic senators call for climate change questions in debates Joe Biden has long forgotten North Carolina: Today's visit is too late MORE (D-Calif.).

He's the second Colorado lawmaker to join the race following former Gov. John Hickenlooper John HickenlooperCook Political Report shifts Colorado Senate race toward Democrat Willie Nelson playing at virtual fundraiser for Hickenlooper Gardner on court vacancy: Country needs to mourn Ginsburg 'before the politics begin' MORE (D).

In 2003, Hickenlooper hired Bennet as his chief of staff when he was elected Denver mayor.

Two years later, Bennet became the superintendent of Denver Public Schools, a position he held until his appointment to the Senate.

The Republican National Committee blasted Bennet's presidential chances after his announcement.

“Michael Bennet is just another tax-and-spend liberal with no chance of becoming president," Republican National Committee communications director Michael Ahrens said in on Twitter.

"Bennet hasn't gotten anything done after more than a decade in the Senate, and unfortunately for him, the ‘unknown, no-accomplishments lane’ of the Democratic primary is already full.”

Updated at 9:04 a.m.