Former Texas Governor's Son Announces Bid For The Office

HOUSTON, TX — Andrew White was just a teenager when his father, Mark White, served as governor of Texas. Earlier today the son officially made a bid to follow his father's footsteps and seek that spot in the governor's mansion in Austin. Andrew White filed to run for governor as a Democrat on Thursday, just for days before the state's filing deadline to run for office.

White, now 45, is a Houston entrepreneur who's running in his first elected office. He calls himself a "common sense Democrat" who believes the Republican leaders have veered too far right.

His father, the late Mark White who died of a heart attack this August, served as a Democratic governor from 1983-87. According to the Texas Tribune, White was an education reformer who "lost re-election in 1986 after signing into law a “no pass, no play” policy that required student athletes to succeed academically to play sports."

“I’m proud to be Mark White’s son, but I’m not running because I’m his son,” Andrew White said during his announcement Thursday. “I’m running because we need more leaders like Mark White. We need leaders who are willing to do right and risk their re-election.”

During his announcement, White said Democrats need to elect him in the primary because he would be the party's best bet to win the general election over Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, who's heavily-favored to win reelection next November.

"My fellow Democrats, I know you’re tired of losing," White said. "I am, too. If winning in November is important to you, then I’m your candidate."

Today's announcement comes one day after Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez entered the race, who became the favorite for the Democrats and their highest-profile candidate to date. White might be the closest competition in a race that six other lesser-known Democrats.

Mark White also served as the Texas Secretary of State from 1973-77 and the state Attorney General from 1979-83.

Top image: A Texas state troopers stands watch outside the Texas Capitol prior to the inauguration for Gov.-elect Greg Abbott, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)