Sanders has toyed with launching a campaign since leaving her post in 2019 and has been quietly planning for the bid over the last year. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson cannot seek re-election in 2022 because of term limits.
"As governor, I will defend your right to be free of socialism and tyranny," Sanders said in her nearly eight-minute launch video. "Our state needs a leader with the courage to do what's right, not what's politically correct or convenient."
"With your support, I hope to be the first woman to lead our state as governor," she continued.
The daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sanders would create something of an Arkansas political dynasty should she win.
Sanders took over as press secretary from Sean Spicer, who resigned in 2017. A loyal ally of former President Donald Trump, she had a contentious relationship with the White House press corps and all but did away with official briefings during her 2½-year tenure.
WATCH: NICOLE WALLACE AND THE END OF DEMOCRACY
She was widely encouraged to run by former President Donald Trump since her White House departure in June 2019.
"My dad always said the real test of a leader is not the way you handle the issues you know are coming, it's rising to the moment in a crisis you could never plan for," Sanders stated in the video. "I've been tested under fire."
YIKES! IS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE LOSING HER 'GRIP' IN POWER STRUGGLE?
Her father, a Fox News contributor, and was governor from 1996 to 2007,
was quick to show his support.
"A truly remarkable lady just announced she's running for my old job. It comes with the same [government] housing she grew up in. Watch the video. Support her [with] prayer [and] contributions! Giddy up!" Huckabee wrote on Twitter.
WATCH: FETTERMAN CONFRONTED BY A PRO-HAMAS ACTIVIST
Sanders seeks to replace current GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is barred by term limits from running for reelection next year. Sanders joins an expensive Republican primary that already includes two statewide elected leaders, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
TESLA IN TURMOIL: MUSK OUSTS TOP EXECS AND PREPARES FOR MASSIVE LAYOFFS, WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Sanders had come under fire weeks before, when the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election by special counsel Robert Mueller revealed that she had made up an assertion about the firing of former FBI Director James Comey.
PROFESSIONAL "PROTEST CONSULTANT" CAUGHT ON VIDEO STIRRING UP CHAOS AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
One day after Comey's firing in 2017, Sanders said during a briefing that "countless" FBI agents had told the White House that they had lost confidence in Comey. But according to Mueller's report, she told federal investigators that she had no evidence to back up the claim.
PUMP AND DUMP: VIRAL "BOCA BASH" VIDEO SPARKS MAJOR INVESTIGATION
Sanders described the false assertion as a "slip of the tongue."
Sanders joined the Fox News Channel as a paid, on-air contributor in September 2019. A Fox News Media spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that her contributor agreement with the network has been terminated.
Fox News previously reported that Sanders was expected to announce her candidacy on Monday.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
