Jeb Bush has formally declared his interest in running for the presidency in 2016, firing the starting gun on a race that sets up a contest for the future of the Republican party and a possible showdown between America’s modern political dynasties.
The brother of the US’s 43rd president, George W Bush, and the son of its 41st, George HW Bush, ended weeks of feverish speculation over his intentions, saying he had made the decision to “actively explore” a bid, with his family over Thanksgiving.
“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,” the former Florida governor said in a Facebook post.