JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Republican Eric Greitens on Tuesday launched an exploratory committee to consider a run for governor.

If he decides to run, he would enter an already aggressive primary between former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway and state Auditor Tom Schweich.

On Wednesday, Greitens and his wife gave his exploratory committee a $50,000 boost.

“Missouri needs and deserves strong leadership and a new approach with more innovative policies to move our state forward. That’s why I’ve decided to explore serving in state office,” he said in a statement. “The more people I speak with around the state, the more hopeful I become about what we can do together. I look forward to continuing to listen and to learn. Sheena and I are committed to working for a better Missouri. We’ll approach this decision with patience, humility, and resolve.”

Greitens, a former U.S. Navy Seal, had a suite tucked away on the 19th floor of the Marriott Downtown in Kansas City over the weekend, where Republicans had gathered for their annual Lincoln Days event. There, he met with activists and Republican consultants about a potential run.

A source close to Greitens said Saturday his run is real, but he is in no hurry to enter the race. While Schweich and Hanaway “shoot cruise missiles,” Greitens prefers to stay under the radar.