George Prescott Bush is gearing up to run for a little-known but powerful office in Texas, a state where his family already is a political dynasty and where his Hispanic roots could help extend a stranglehold on power that Republicans have enjoyed for two decades.

The 36-year-old Fort Worth lawyer says he is close to settling on campaigning for Texas land commissioner next year. He doesn’t expect to make up his mind until he knows whether Texas Governor Rick Perry, a fellow Republican, will run for reelection.