Ex-Florida Governor Jeb Bush actively exploring 2016 presidential run

By RYAN GORMAN

Jeb Bush has his sights set on the White House.

The Republican former governor of Florida announced Tuesday morning on Facebook that he has begun to 'actively explore' a 2016 presidential run.

Bush, who governed the Sunshine State from 1999 to 2007, made the surprise announcement only days after reports that he was involved in the start of multiple offshore investment funds.

Discussions with his family over the Thanksgiving holiday led him to make this decision, he said.

"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 said.

A Leadership political action committee (PAC) will be up and running by next month, he explained. A PAC is used for fundraising purposes and is usually one of the first steps towards a presidential bid.

Bush expressed hopes he would be able to discuss his ideas and policies in the coming months before wishing all who read the message a happy holiday season.

Post by Jeb Bush.

Should he win the 2016 election, Jeb Bush would be third member of his family to become president.

Father George H.W. Bush, who served one term from 1989 to 1993, was the 41st President of the United States.

Brother George W. Bush served two terms from 2002 until 2010 as the 43rd Commander in Chief.

Family matriarch Barbara Bush previously urged Jeb Bush not to make a run at the White House, infamously saying: "We've had enough Bushes."