Abbott Likely to "Weigh In" on 2016 Race Before Texas Primary

Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday he plans to "weigh in" on the 2016 presidential race ahead of the Texas primary, raising the possibility of an endorsement before March 1. 

"I will be weighing in on that, I suspect, before it's all over with," Abbott said in an interview on Dallas radio station 660 AM The Answer. "I haven't chosen a candidate yet because I want to continue to bring these candidates to the state of Texas to explain to them what our challenges are, about the necessity of securing the border, but I will weigh in later on in the presidential race."

Asked by host Mark Davis if he would weigh in before the Texas primary, Abbott replied, "That's what I'm anticipating." 

Abbott's remarks offered the most insight yet on his plans for the race. For months, Abbott has been vague about whether he will endorse, and if so, when.

The governor is seen as a likely supporter of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the former solicitor general of Texas who worked under Abbott in the attorney general's office. Abbott's predecessor, Rick Perry, endorsed Cruz on Monday and campaigned with him in Iowa on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Abbott has been careful to not express any preferences in hopes of luring candidates to Texas. After he met with retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson in October at the Governor's Mansion, Abbott said he was keeping his options open as the race unfolds. 

"Not ruling out, not ruling in any candidates,” Abbott told reporters at the time. “I will continue to evaluate the process as they move forward."