White House

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry Expected to Announce White House Bid June 4

Dallas event details to come, Perry's wife says

In what can only be a coordinated political announcement, former first lady of Texas Anita Perry tweeted Friday that she and her husband, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, will make a special announcement in Dallas on June 4.

Anita Perry didn't say what her husband hoped to announce, but many speculate he'll announce his second bid for the White House.  He's been traveling to Iowa and other early-voting states to explore his bid.

Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history, ran in the 2012 presidential race after announcing his candidacy in South Carolina. After a series of missteps, including the infamous "oops" moment, he dropped out of the race.

Gromer Jeffers, political expert for The Dallas Morning News, says before that, Perry had momentum in the race.

"This time he is the clear underdog. He is really, really down in the polls, so he is going to have to work his way to the top," said Jeffers.

The public is invited to attend the announcement, but the location for the event hasn't been revealed. The free event is expected to take place between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"I think Dallas also is a high-profile place and people know Dallas, so an announcement here will not only bring out a lot of folks to support the candidate but it is also well known around the country," said Dallas County Republican Chairman Wade Emmert.

Six Republicans have already announced their candidacy for the 2016 race: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, former business executive Carly Fiorina and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

On the Democrat side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) have announced their candidacy.

Event location and more details for the announcement are to follow.

NBC 5's Julie Fine contributed to this report.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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