Tim Scott officially kicks off 2024 GOP presidential campaign

Driving the news: "Our party and our nation are standing at a time for choosing," Scott said before a crowd at his alma mater Charleston Southern University.

• "Victimhood or victory? Grievance or greatness? I choose freedom and hope and opportunity," he said.
• Scott, who repeatedly invoked the Biden administration during his speech, did not mention former President Trump's name or any of his other Republican rivals in the 2024 contest.
• "Today, I am living proof that America is the land of opportunity and not a land of oppression," he said.
• Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) gave the opening prayer.

The big picture: Scott last week filed his paperwork for the Republican nomination, but he has been laying the groundwork for a campaign for months, including launching an exploratory committee last month.

• Scott is one of the Senate's most formidable fundraisers and enters the race with $22 million in hand, a senior campaign official said.
• He's also already made a $6 million ad buy in early primary states Iowa and New Hampshire.

Zoom out: Scott's official announcement brings him into a crowded GOP field that includes former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former President Trump.

• Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have also officially entered the GOP primary, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is expected to soon enter the race.
• Trump in a Truth Social post on Monday wished Scott "good luck" in entering the GOP primary and used his announcement to bash DeSantis, who is widely considered Trump's most serious challenger.

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Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.