Newt Gingrich announced his presidential campaign late Wednesday afternoon via Twitter.

The former House speaker says, "Today I am announcing my candidacy for president of the United States."

In a YouTube video, Gingrich assures viewers, "There's a much better American future ahead."

The 67-year-old spearheaded the GOP takeover of the House in 1994, the first time Republicans controlled the chamber in four decades. He stepped down in 1999 after four tumultuous years at the helm.

Gingrich is the second Georgian running for the GOP’s nomination.

Former businessman and chairman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Herman Cain has been in the race since January.

If nominated, Cain or Gingrich would be the first Republican Presidential nominee from Georgia.

Tags: Newt Gingrich, Georgia politics, 2012 presidential race, Herman Cain