CLEVELAND, Ohio - Richard Cordray will officially announce his candidacy for governor Tuesday in Grove City, expanding the Democratic field to six candidates, according to a Cordray adviser.

Cordray, the former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has been the subject of months of speculation surrounding the race to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. John Kasich. His Nov. 15 announcement that he was leaving his post at the CFPB heightened the anticipation of his arrival into the race.

His announcement comes on the heels of the announcement that Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Jon Husted are joining forces on a single ticket, with DeWine as the governor candidate.

Cordray will make the announcement at Lilly's Kitchen Table in Grove City, his hometown. Following the announcement, he'll embark on a statewide tour.

While expected, Cordray's announcement changes the dynamics of the current Democratic primary. Four of the five declared candidates - former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, former state Rep. Connie Pillich and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley - are debating tonight in Cleveland, but that could seem like an exhibition match without the entire field on the stage.

While he won't appear on stage at the debate tonight hosted by the City Club of Cleveland, he will speak at the City Club on Dec. 14.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill had said he will drop out when Cordray enters the race, but told cleveland.com on Monday he might consider staying in the race. O'Neill said his decision would hinge on Cordray's stance on marijuana legalization and mental health facilities.

During his time with the CFPB, Cordray was a thorn in the Republicans' and President Donald Trump's side. His office had greater independence than nearly any in the country, much to the chagrin of some conservatives.

However, his departure set off a leadership crisis, with Trump appointing Office of Budget and Management Director Mick Mulvaney to the spot. Mulvaney has openly discussed dismantling the agency.

Cordray has a long history in Ohio politics, including winning elections as both treasurer and attorney general. He lost his 2010 attorney general reelection campaign to DeWine, an increasingly likely opponent for the 2018 governor's race.

Former Ohio and U.S. Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow, a Marion native who served during President Bill Clinton's administration, will serve as Cordray's campaign treasurer.

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper declined to comment until after the official announcement.