Ohio Gov. John Kasich formally announced on Tuesday his bid for the Republican nomination for president.

Kasich is a latecomer to the primary race, with the first Republican debate only two weeks away. Under the current guidelines, Kasich is unlikely to participate in that debate, which will be held in Cleveland.

The former U.S. congressman is expected to campaign largely on his record as governor of Ohio and has touted the post-recession economic turnaround in the important battleground state under his watch. Kasich also expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, which is controversial with many conservatives but something that he has defended.

Following his announcement Tuesday, Kasich is expected to head to New Hampshire for a series of town hall–styled events.