Sen. Ted Cruz: Too early to worry about 2016

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Republican Sen. Ted Cruz says it's too early to be thinking about 2016 and that he's working right now to make sure his party regains control of the Senate this year.

Cruz is visiting South Carolina, which hosts the first GOP presidential primary in the South. While considered a presidential contender, he won't say if or when he might make a decision on a race.

Cruz says the challenge in front of the country is a fiscal and economic cliff that he argues is threatening the nation's future. He says he's optimistic that Republicans can take control of the Senate after this fall's elections.

Cruz met with reporters in Charleston on Tuesday before addressing a dinner at the state's military college, The Citadel.