JEB BUSH, son to one former U.S. president and brother to another, threw his hat into the ring for the 2016 race Tuesday, announcing he was laying the groundwork for a campaign.

    The 61-year-old former Florida governor said he has “decided to actively explore the possibility of running,” making him the first serious Republican contender to announce a likely run.

    Jockeying is underway ahead of primaries to choose a challenger for presumptive Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton in the election to decide the successor to President Barack Obama.

    But the announcement of such a high-profile figure essentially shifts the 2016 White House race into full gallop.

    Creating an exploratory committee would permit Bush to start raising funds legally and traditionally signals the first official step in a presidential campaign process.

    His statement did not officially announce an exploratory committee, but a declaration to “actively explore the possibility” is a pretty clear signal in U.S. politics.

    “In January, I also plan to establish a leadership PAC that will help me facilitate conversations with citizens across America to discuss the most critical challenges facing our exceptional nation,” Bush said.

    On Sunday, Bush had said he would decide “in short order” whether he will seek to follow his brother George W. Bush, president from 2001 to 2009, and their father George H.W. Bush, 1989 to 1993.

    Bush’s move heaps pressure on two Republicans viewed as influential party moderates: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and defeated 2012 Republican flag-bearer Mitt Romney.

    Two-time failed White House challenger Romney has repeatedly said he is not running, but there is a Republican movement to draft him for one final attempt.(SD-Agencies)