RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Texas Sen. Ted Cruz told nearly 250 people in Raleigh Monday that if a presidential candidate has the backing of Washington, run and hide. At a luncheon hosted by the nonpartisan John Locke Foundation, Cruz said it's time for new leadership in Washington.

Cruz's speech focused on his foregin policy views and disagreements with the Obama administration, particularly over the Middle East. He also discussed religious persecution in the area.

Cruz spoke to the group on the same day Florida Sen. Marco Rubio announced to donors he will run for the White House as well. On Sunday, Democrat Hillary Clinton formally announced her second bit for  1600 Pennsyvania Avenue.