Gov. Perry set to reveal 'exciting future plans' next week

April 19, 2013: Texas Governor Rick Perry answers questions from the media. (Reuters)

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Rick Perry sent an email to close friends and top fundraisers Tuesday promising to reveal "exciting future plans" during an event next week in San Antonio, where he may formally announce if he'll run again for governor.

The message doesn't provide further details or even a location for the midday gathering, saying simply that more details will be forthcoming. But Perry has said he will soon announce if he plans to seek a fourth full term as governor next year.

The Republican is already the longest-serving governor in Texas history and America's longest-sitting governor. He also hasn't ruled out a second run for president in 2016, after his previous bid for the GOP White House nomination fizzled in 2011. But Perry has also said he won't decide on that matter until later this year.

"Howdy Friends," the email begins. "Please save the date."

It continues: "Governor Rick Perry, Aggie, the longest serving Governor of the great state of Texas and friend, will be making an announcement around mid day in San Antonio concerning his exciting future plans! Please join his family and closest friends on July 8th."

The message concludes by simply saying "details to follow."

Ray Sullivan, communications director for Perry's failed presidential campaign, said Perry will likely announce whether he will run for re-election. But pressed on what Perry might have decided, Sullivan said, "The only real way to know what Rick Perry's political future is involves listening to Rick Perry."

"There will be and should be some mystery to the announcement until he actually makes it," Sullivan said, adding that Perry "has historically shown the ability to change on a dime his political ambitions."

If Perry opts to run again, it may mean a primary dog fight with fellow Republican and state Attorney General Greg Abbott, who has a formidable $18 million in his campaign war chest -- more than three times what Perry has raised.

The governor has said he and Abbott have agreed not to run against each other, but Abbott hasn't confirmed that.