Gov. John Kasich says he’s seriously considering another run for president, the strongest suggestion yet that he might try another campaign.
Kasich said he’s really unhappy with what he sees in this country and hasn’t decided what he wants to do about it – but said all options are on the table and that he’s discussing it with friends, family and supporters.
“I just can't tell you what where this is all going to come out,” Kasich said. "I don't have a timetable now. I have to watch events and just see what I can do to contribute.”
Kasich has fueled speculation about his campaign by visiting New Hampshire, an early presidential testing ground where he won second place in the 2016 primaries, several times this year. He's also spent time on cable news shows criticizing President Trump and fellow Republicans on issues like immigration, gun control and the media.
But despite previous speculation about running as a third-party or independent, Kasich didn’t seem to consider that option.
“Oh, I am a Republican,” Kasich said. “And a conservative Republican.”
If Kasich runs in 2020, it would be his third try. He dropped out of the 2000 race early, but when Kasich left the 2016 contest, he was the last of the 16 candidates who ran against Trump.
He likely wouldn’t be the only possible presidential contender from Ohio: Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown said this month he’s “seriously looking” at a run himself.
Brown recently won re-election to a third term in the U.S. Senate, and garnered the most votes of any Ohio candidate. He said that performance shows “a strong progressive” could win, especially in the Midwest.
