Next Texas gov: I’m staying out of 2016

The next governor of Texas said Sunday that he’s taking a hands-off approach to the race for the GOP nomination in 2016.

{mosads}“I will be strongly supportive of the Republican nominee to be the next president of the United States,” Gov.-elect Greg Abbott (R) said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Several Republicans eyeing 2016 have ties to Texas. Rick Perry, the state’s current governor, is considering another run after a difficult 2012 campaign.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is also mentioned as a 2016 contender, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is already seen as ramping up his potential operation. Paul was born in Texas, and is the son of former Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

And don’t forget former Gov. Jeb Bush (R-Fla.). Bush’s son was just elected land commissioner in Texas, and his brother and father were both elected president from Texas.