AP Photo Mitt Romney says he’s considering a 2016 run 
 
 Mitt Romney told a group of longtime supporters on Friday that he is considering running for president, a major turnaround for a past GOP nominee who just a year ago categorically ruled out a 2016 run. Many of Romney's New York donors, who are in frequent touch with him, had suggested a lunch or get-together when Romney was in New York, which resulted in the meeting with donors on Friday as he was on his way back from Charlie Baker's swearing in as the new governor of Massachusetts, this person said. Former aides to Romney have said that his thinking about the race has evolved over several months, particularly after he had time to reflect on being back on the campaign trail for the midterm races. Romney’s remarks were first reported by The Wall Street Journal. People on hand included financier Patrick Durkin, and Alex Nabab, both of whom have committed to former Florida Gov. Romney has kept in close touch with his donors, many of whom have become close friends over two presidential cycles, according to one source close to Romney who was not at the meeting in New York but is familiar with his thinking. The remarks confirm months of speculation that the GOP’s nominee from 2012, who was also a top 2008 contender, is seriously weighing a third White House bid. "One of the first things he said he said was, 'People ask me, do you want to be president? In addition, Romney told those gathered Friday that his wife, Ann, was now very encouraging toward his running again, a source said — a change from her past protests. Also a possibility is New Jersey Gov. Though his loyalists and supportive donors have floated his name as a potential candidate for the better part of a year, Romney himself has been more reticent about mounting another White House bid after his 2008 and 2012 losses.
– Heads up, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie: Mitt Romney said today that he may run for president in 2016, the Wall Street Journal reports. Sources say he made the announcement at a meeting with Republican donors in New York City. "Mitt told the group of 30 or so guys that were there that he is considering a run for the White House and that they could go tell their friends," a source from the meeting tells CNN. Romney cited trouble overseas and the long-term economy as motives for running, but gave no timetable for deciding. Romney had been iffy on whether to run after losing in 2008 and 2012, CNN says, but had a change of mind over the past few weeks. "I think he is serious," says the CNN source. "One of the first things he said he said was, 'People ask me, do you want to be president? Well, yes, I did run twice.'" Romney reportedly says his wife Ann is "very encouraging" but his sons are divided over a 2016 run. A Romney candidacy could "upend the emerging GOP field" just as donors are gathering around Bush, the Journal says. A GOP funder at Romney's meeting, Alex Nabab, had been "part of" a recent Bush event, and Bush allies have expressed frustration over GOP donors holding out in the hope of a Romney run, Politico reports.