When she sent an e-mail to her supporters Wednesday morning, Davis — who garnered national attention this summer for fighting a sweeping antiabortion bill in her state — wrote she will be “answering the question” of what’s next for her career on Oct. 3. But before making her formal announcement, she posed a question of her own: “Do you have any friends or family who would like to be among the first to know?”

In other words, Davis is working to develop a national fundraising network before formally launching her bid. Davis has raised money in Washington, D.C. as well as her home state, and according to Texas state records had received just over $1 million by the end of June. That puts her far behind Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is eyeing the post and has amassed a $20 million war chest.

Stephanie Schriock, president of the Democratic political action committee EMILY’s List, estimates anyone seriously seeking the Texas governorship would have to raise between $35 million and $40 million.