Rick Perry not running for 4th term, will 'pray' about future plans

Gov. Rick Perry (R) announced on Monday that he would not run for a fourth term, but vowed to pass an abortion ban before leaving office.

At an event in San Antonio, the governor quoted Ecclesiastes 3: "For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."

"I'm excited about the future and the challenges ahead, but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership," he said. "Today, I'm announcing I will not see re-election as governor of Texas... And I'll also pray and reflect and work to determine my own future path."

"I am looking forward to the next 18 months as I serve out my term," Perry later added. "I will continue working hard to do what's best for Texas and that includes this special session and additional sessions if required."

"Improving transportation infrastructure, passing juvenile justice reform and protecting the right to life for the youngest and most vulnerable Texans. Texas is and will remain a strong pro-life, pro-family, pro-freedom state."

Watch this video from KHOU, broadcast July 8, 2013.