Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich just announced his candidacy for president of the United States.

The Republican from Georgia made his announcement via social networking website Twitter.com today: “I believe we can return America to hope and opportunity,” Gingrich said. “We’ve done it before, we can do it again.”

Gingrich will make his first official appearance as a candidate on Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity Show tonight.

Gingrich is the first major Republican candidate to enter the 2012 race. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty are expected to toss their hats into the ring soon. And former governor Sarah Palin hasn’t officially announced her candidacy yet.

Naturally, Gingrich’s announcement is causing quite a stir on Twitter.com.

Click the link to see U.S. President Barack Obama’s response to Gingrich’s announcement.