The well-known, well-financed and fierce social conservative said Sunday in San Antonio that he wants to succeed Gov. Rick Perry, who has announced he won't seek a fourth full term. Abbott has raised nearly $23 million.
Abbott has held office since 2002 and is popular among mainstream Republicans and tea party activists. Abbott has also sued the federal government on Texas' behalf 27 times during the Obama administration.
The only other announced candidate from either party is ex-state Republican Party chairman Tom Pauken.
No Democratic candidate has emerged, though some have urged state Sen. Wendy Davis to run. She became famous for her 12-plus-hour filibuster over sweeping new abortion limits during the Legislature's first special session.
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