Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said it’s unlikely that he will ever seek public office again, including the presidency, and said he wants to return to private life and his business career.
Bush made the remarks while teaching a two-week course on governors at Texas A&M University. He said he is focused on his work to reform education and on his businesses, which he rejoined after his failed presidential bid concluded in February after the South Carolina Primary.
“I unraveled everything I was doing to prepare for this — you don’t do that lightly,” Bush said. “I just think this was my chance. The conditions of this election weren’t tailor-made for me and I lost. But I’m not in therapy. I’m not in the fetal position. Life goes on.”
Bush also shot down chatter about a possible return to Tallahassee as governor, a position he held from1998-2007. While he served two-terms in office, the Florida constitution states that a former governor can run again after sitting out for a full term.
“It’s the best job in the world, but look, I’m not inclined to do it,” Bush said.
Since losing out to President-elect Trump along with a cadre of other Republicans for the nomination, Bush rejoined the Foundation for Excellence in Education last May after his campaign. He also continues to head up his own firm, Jeb Bush & Associates.
“I can’t be unemployed forever,” Bush said about rejoining his businesses.
Since Trump became president-elect, the former Florida governor has been a vocal supporter of some of his cabinet selections, especially Betsy DeVos, Trump’s pick to run the Department of Education, and Scott Pruitt, the likely incoming administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
