Appearing on MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown” on Monday, Steele confirmed to Chuck Todd he was considering a run for the governorship.

“We’re looking at it. I mean we’re going to take a look at the numbers, Maryland’s a tough state, there are a lot of challenges,” Steele said.

Steele said he was motivated by a love of service and a desire to move Maryland in a “different direction,” especially economically.

“We’ve lost 30,000 employers over the last eight years, our economy is not competitive anymore. … We’re taxed to the hilt. Forty new taxes and fees on Marylanders in the last eight years is ridiculous. That’s not leadership, that’s gouging.”

Steele said he would make a decision by “the end of the year.”