Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) visited Michigan Monday to deliver a speech to the Detroit Economic Club, fueling speculation that he might run for president in 2016.

During the speech, he told the audience of 250 people that he is “seriously considering” a White House run, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kasich called for an end to partisanship and political infighting in Washington, the report said.

“A great leader figures out how to bring people together. ... We all have to stop the fighting and division,” said Kasich, who touted his record as governor.

“Ohio is a microcosm of our country,” Kasich said after outlining what he views as his policy successes. “It can work in America. ... I feel compelled to deliver a message like this.”

The sold-out event was expected to focus on the “Ohio Comeback Model,” the Economic Club said.

The speech was supposed to detail “how leadership on balanced budgets, tax cuts, management and inclusivity is helping Ohioans overcome tough problems and get their state back on track.”

After his stop in Detroit, Kasich will visit New Hampshire and South Carolina later this week, two key presidential primary states, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Kasich’s Detroit visit comes after former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), who’s also mulling a White House bid, addressed the city's Economic Club earlier this year.

In February, Kasich reportedly began seeking advice from political operatives and advisers about a potential presidential run.

So far, Sens. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzVideo of Lindsey Graham arguing against nominating a Supreme Court justice in an election year goes viral Sunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Democrat on Graham video urging people to 'use my words against me': 'Done' MORE (R-Texas) and Rand Paul Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSecond GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus GOP senator to quarantine after coronavirus exposure The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill MORE (R-Ky.) have formally launched presidential campaigns and their colleague, Sen. Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Florida senators pushing to keep Daylight Savings Time during pandemic Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll MORE (R-Fla.), is launching his Monday. Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonJeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Momentum growing among Republicans for Supreme Court vote before Election Day Warning signs flash for Lindsey Graham in South Carolina MORE, the expected Democratic front-runner in the race, officially announced her campaign on Sunday afternoon.

Kasich has served as governor of Ohio since 2011. Before that, he served in the House from 1983 until 2001, and served as chairman of the House Budget Committee.

— This post was updated at 2:30 p.m.