Last week Texas Gov. Rick Perry leaked that his appearance at an event in San Antonio would feature the announcement of "exciting future plans," it turns out that those future plans don't include running for re-election in 2014, according to NBC News.
The Republican is already the longest serving governor in the history of the Lone Star State with 13 years under his belt. Perry took office after George W. Bush left to become president, the very position that Perry attempted to run for in 2012 and is thought to continue to aspire to, according to the Washington Post.
"I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership," Perry said. "Today I am announcing I will not seek reelection as governor of Texas."
Perry has lately been butting heads with upcoming Democratic star state Rep. Wendy Davis, whose 11-hour-long filibuster helped stall the passage of an anti-abortion bill, who very well may be considering a run for the Governor's mansion herself, according to USA Today.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott had been making moves for a potential run at Perry's seat even before the governor announced that he would not be running. Abbott, a Republican, has already amassed a massive campaign war chest of $18 million for the upcoming election. Abbott has won statewide election five times for lesser offices but still feels that he needs to boost his recognition among voters; Abbott recently released an ad featuring former senator Fred Thompson introducing himself to Texas voters, reports USA Today.
Perry did not give a definitive answer as to whether or not he will make another bid for the White House besides saying that he will "pray and reflect and work to determine my own future path." Instead Perry emphasized that his job as governor is far from done, reports NBC News.
"I will spend the next 18 months working to create more jobs, opportunity and innovation," Perry said. "I will actively lead this great state."
In 2012 Perry appeared to be a strong contender for the Republican presidential nomination; despite being a late entry into the race the Texan quickly soared to the top of the polls. Then, "oops."
In a debate Michigan Perry was unable to remember the three agencies of government that he had vowed to eliminate.
"I would do away with the education, the, uh, commerce. And, let's see...I can't remember the third one. Oops," Perry said.
