Texas governor bid could be 'what's next' for Wendy Davis

Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis, the Democrat who filibustered an abortion law for nearly 13 hours earlier this year, began the slow rollout of what is expected to be a campaign for Texas governor with an email Wednesday asking supporters to spread the word and donate money ahead of a "what's next" announcement.

No other member of her party has expressed interest in running for governor in Texas, where a Democrat has not won a statewide office in 20 years.

Davis said she would make a formal announcement about her decision on Oct. 3.

Her progressive politics and charisma on the campaign trail have long made her popular among the state’s Democrats.

Members of the party have been urging her to run after her dramatic 13-hour filibuster in June against an anti-abortion bill. She was initially successful, forcing Republican Gov. Rick Perry to call a second special session to reconsider the legislation. The Republican-controlled Legislature easily passed the measure.

Jason Stanford, a Democratic consultant who has worked on past Texas gubernatorial campaigns, said Davis is building her email list, which is critical for organizing volunteers and raising money statewide.

"This is what you would do before you run for governor. This is not what you would do to run for re-election," he said.

The Associated Press