Jeb Bush Will 'Actively Explore' Presidential Run

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced Tuesday he will "actively explore" running for president in 2016.

Tuesday's announcement isn't a definite decision by Bush to run for president, but it's the closest announcement he's made to confirming a run so far.

Like many of you, our family was blessed with the opportunity to gather together over the recent Thanksgiving holiday, Bush wrote. Columba and I are so proud of the wonderful adults our children have become, and we loved spending time with our three precious grandchildren. We shared good food and watched a whole lot of football.

We also talked about the future of our nation, Bush added. As a result of these conversations and thoughtful consideration of the kind of strong leadership I think America needs, I have decided to actively explore the possibility of running for president of the United States.

Bush plans to create an organization after the holidays that will help position him for a possible bid.

In January, I also plan to establish a leadership PAC that will help me facilitate conversations with citizens across America to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional nation, Bush noted. The PACs purpose will be to support leaders, ideas and policies that will expand opportunity and prosperity for all Americans. In the coming months, I hope to visit with many of you and have a conversation about restoring the promise of America.