(CNN) Terry McAuliffe is moving closer to a 2020 presidential run, Democrats close to the former Virginia governor tell CNN.

McAuliffe has been telling Democratic allies that he is leaning toward jumping into the Democratic presidential race next month, according to three people who have spoken to him. The former governor has long said he would make a decision by the end of March, with a potential announcement later in April.

McAuliffe's possible entry into the 2020 race would make him the third current or former governor -- joining former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee -- and the only Virginian in the crowded field of more than a dozen Democrats.

"I get the sense that he is moving closer," said John Morgan, a longtime donor to Democratic causes and McAuliffe friend. "I think he is very close to it."

Crystal Carson, McAuliffe's spokesman, said that the governor is "seriously considering" a run, but that he has yet to make a decision.

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