He now enters a crowded GOP primary field, which includes former President Donald Trump, former South Carolina Governor and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott also launched a presidential exploratory committee earlier this month, and other Republicans like New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and former Vice President Mike Pence have said they are strongly considering a bid in 2024.

Elder said his run is in part motivated by members of his family who have served in the military.

“I’m the only one who didn’t serve, and I don’t feel good about that,” Elder told host Tucker Carlson during an interview on Fox News Thursday. “I feel I have a moral, a religious, and a patriotic duty to give back to a country that’s been so good to my family and me,” Elder said.

Elder grew up in South Central Los Angeles and attended Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School.