Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday that he will not run for re-election next year, creating the first open race for Texas governor since 1990 and making Attorney General Greg Abbott the instant favorite to replace him. Perry’s exit from the statewide stage after nearly a quarter century doesn’t necessarily end his political ambition. He has said previously that he would make his decision about a White House bid before the end of this year; Perry made a brief and oblique mention of another run for national office. Abbott will officially announce his plans on Sunday in San Antonio, followed by a multi-city swing through the state next week.

Tom Pauken, the former Texas Republican Party chairman, is betting his fellow conservatives want a change of direction after a dozen years of Perry and what he says would be "more of the same" from Abbott. First, he will have to get people’s attention.

The governor set Nov. 5 as the date for the special election to determine who will serve out the remainder of state Rep. Mark Strama's current term. Early hopefuls include businesswoman Jade Chang Sheppard, associate municipal court judge Ramey Ko, prosecutor Rico Reyes and Celia Israel, a former aide to Gov. Ann Richards.

Opponents of the new abortion regulations working their way through the Texas Legislature have said the measures will face immediate legal challenges. But defenders of the legislation are welcoming the opportunity to take their case to court.