HOUSTON -- Houston Mayor Bill White is shifting gears, abandoning his campaign for U.S. Senate in favor of a run for Texas governor.
White is considered the Democrats' strongest candidate with $4 million in a Senate campaign account that he can now switch to the governor's race.
He hinted at his plans two weeks ago when said he would consider a gubernatorial run after Tom Schieffer (SHEE-fer), the leading Democratic contender, pulled out.
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White's campaign says he's since received thousands of messages, e-mails, calls and tweets weighing in "on how he can best serve our state."
He officially declared his candidacy for governor Friday.
White is term-limited after serving three two-year terms as mayor of Texas' largest city.
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