^{*Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout.}

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is officially running for re-election in 2018.

Cruz filed paperwork Wednesday afternoon to seek a second term, adding some clarity to his political future just over a week after he ended his presidential campaign.

"Heidi and I feel incredibly privileged to have made the run for president and be part of an incredible grassroots movement," Cruz said in a statement. "I will continue fighting for jobs, freedom and security in the Senate for 27 million Texans and all Americans across this great country."

While Cruz could change his mind, the announcement puts to rest some speculation that he would sit out a second term to prepare for a comeback bid for the White House in 2020. In any case, he is not expected to face a serious Republican challenge for his seat in 2018.

Cruz's re-election plans received attention Wednesday morning, when Cruz said "yes" in response to a reporter in Washington, D.C., who had asked him if he would seek a second term, according to CNN and The Hill. Cruz's office later confirmed the exchange, and his political operation released a letter to the Senate and Federal Election Commission that formalized his decision.

Cruz was first elected to the Senate in 2012, when he upset then-Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in the Republican primary to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison.