Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced his plans to “actively explore” a campaign and form a political operation that will allow him to raise money for like-minded Republicans on Tuesday via social media–his most definitive step toward running for president thus far. Bush specifically stated that he has decided “to actively explore the possibility of running for president of the United States.”

He added that he hoped to visit many citizens and discuss his plans to restore “the promise of America” in the coming months. Soon, Bush will establish a leadership PAC that will allow him to raise money for political expenses and travel and other candidates. He has not officially established a presidential exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission.

Money has started pouring in from both sides with Bush’s preparations for his potential 2016 campaign. The Democratic National Committee wrote in an email to supporters that they should think about how President Bush worked out last time while in office. In an effort to help “Democrats beat him,” the email asks to chip in $10 or more. Another group, the Conservative Action Fund, is encouraging supporters to make a donation to strengthen their opposition and sign a petition against his candidacy. The Conservative Action Fund’s chairman Shaun McCutcheon stressed Bush’s beliefs in amnesty for illegal immigrants, raising taxes and Common Core in an email to supporters.

Bush’s potential GOP opponents delivered much calmer responses to his message on Tuesday. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, called Bush a “formidable candidate” and expressed his respect, according to his spokesman Alex Conant. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, said “the more the merrier” when asked to respond to Bush’s plans. And spokesman for Texas Gov. Rick Perry said that Bush’s announcement will not effect Perry’s decision and Perry will still raise significant funds. CBS News reported that a source told their political director John Dickerson that the news will not affect Romney’s decisions either.

Bush has been hesitant about entering the presidential race due to the possible impact the candidacy could have on his family. His daughter, Noelle, went through drug rehabilitation and his mother is said to be introverted. Matriarch Barbara Bush outwardly expressed her desire for “no more Bushes” in office and said other families should run. However, Bush and his brother Neil said she has come around to the idea.

Bush’s Facebook post stemmed from conversations with his family over Thanksgiving. He said they discussed the nation’s future along with his potential plans to run for president. Bush also said that he has chosen to explore the presidential race as a result of those conversations and after consideration of “the kind of strong leadership” he thinks is needed in America.

Kristy Campbell, spokesman for Bush, said that Bush has not officially announced or made a decision about seeking the Republican Party’s presidential nomination. Campbell said that Tuesday’s message was just another step in the process of making that decision.

Bush is the first major Republican to make a large, public step toward a White House bid. Bush’s announcement could shake up his field which includes New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, according to USA Today. The two politicians would appeal to the same establishment Republicans.