WASHINGTON - Former New York Governor George Pataki on Thursday entered the race for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, joining a crowded field of candidates vying to retake the White House for their party.

"It is time to stand up, protect our freedom and take back this government," he said in an announcement video titled "Pataki for President" posted on his website, georgepataki.com.

Pataki, who served three terms as governor from 1995 to 2006, has flirted with running for U.S. Senate or the presidency in past years.