Jeb Bush sets date for widely expected word he’s in the 2016 race

Jeb Bush has set the date for when he’ll finally say the widely expected words that he’s running for president.

In a tweet posted early Thursday morning, the former Florida governor said he’ll announce his decision about whether to seek the White House on June 15 in Miami.

Bush has all but said in recent weeks he’s running — and even let slip during a recent stop in Nevada that he’s in the race.

“My expectation, my hope, is I’ll be a candidate,” Bush said earlier in this week while attending an economic forum in Florida with other 2016 GOP prospects.

Aides confirmed Bush had made a decision that he’ll announce at Miami Dade Community College, not long after returning from a European trip where he’ll visit longtime allies Germany, Poland and Estonia.

“Gov. Bush is thankful for the support and encouragement he has received from so many Americans during the last several months and looks forward to announcing his decision,” spokeswoman Kristy Campbell said.

Bush will enter a crowded primary field that includes Sens. Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, among others. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is also getting into the race, a decision he’ll make official Thursday in Dallas.

Meanwhile, Govs. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Chris Christie of New Jersey have not yet formally announced their intentions, but have been hiring staff and visiting early-voting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

The Bush news was first reported by The Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.

Bush wrote “coming soon” on Twitter with a link to the website, https://jebannouncement.com. On that page, the date 06.15.15 was listed, followed by the tease, “BE THE FIRST TO KNOW. RSVP NOW!” Bush also tweeted it in Spanish, “Próximamente 6.15.15.”

By promoting his announcement in this way, Bush is also trying to collect new data about potential supporters. To receive the announcement through the website, voters must provide their name, email address and zip code.