Walker says he’ll announce White House “intentions” week of July 13

Scott Walker says he’ll probably announce his presidential intentions the week of July 13, making the crowded Republican field, which is likely to wind up with 16 major candidates, nearly complete.

The Wisconsin governor told Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren Thursday night “the week of the 13th is when we will be likely to make our announcement, as to what our intentions are.”

He’s expected to enter the race, and would enter as a top tier candidate. Walker has led most recent polls in Iowa, the nation’s first caucus state. He’s more in the pack in New Hampshire, though, the nation’s first primary state.

In Iowa, RealClearPolitics’ poll average had Walker, with about 18 percent, nearly doubling his closest rivals. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., 2008 caucus winner Mike Huckabee, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson all trailed. In New Hampshire, though, Bush leads Walker by 5 percentage points, and businessman Donald Trump is making a good showing.

Thirteen prominent Republicans have already announced presidential bids. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to enter the race Tuesday, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich is seen as making a decision next month. The first scheduled candidate debate is August 6 in Cleveland.

This story was originally published June 26, 2015 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Walker says he’ll announce White House “intentions” week of July 13."