Rick Perry: Five things to know about the presidential candidate

The Republican was once an outspoken supporter of Democrat Al Gore's presidential campaign

Former Texas governor Rick Perry has announced his bid for the 2016 presidential election.

Mr Perry is making a second run at the White House and made his announcement at the Addison Airport in Dallas, Texas.

"We have the power to make things new again, to project America's strength again, and to get our economy going again. And that is exactly why today I am running for the presidency of the United States of America," he said on Thursday.

1. Mr Perry opposes equal pay for women.

In 2013, he vetoed which would have put Texas in line with the federal Lilly Ledbetter Act. Mr Perry said that allowing women to sue over wage discrimination would be to undermine the fairness and smart regulations of Texas courts.

2. He began his political career as a democrat.

Mr Perry was a Democratic representative in Texas for five years. He once stated that he supported Al Gore's presidential campaign in Texas in 1988, NPR reported.

3. Mr Perry under indictment for alleged coercion and abuse of office.

A Texas grand jury has indicted Mr Perry for “abuse of official capacity” and “coercion of public servant. He allegedly threatened to veto funding for the

Public Integrity Unit unless Travis County’s district attorney resigned. Mr Perry has said the allegations were politically motivated and he hadn’t commit any crimes — he faces more than 100 years in jail.

4. He was a male cheerleader at Texas A&M.

According to Mr Perry's website, he was one of the first members of his family to go to college. He earned an Animal Science degree from Texas A&M University, where he was both a Corps of Cadets member and a Yell Leader.

5. He has ran anti-gay campaign ads.

During his 2012 campaign, Mr Perry ran a anti-gay TV ads, ThinkProgress reported. He spoke out against openly gay and lesbian Armed Service members stating their sexuality is a “war on religion.” He also criticised the Boy Scouts of America stating for ruining "tradition" by allowing gay members join the club.