Will Wendy Davis challenge Rick Perry for Texas governor's seat?

We take a look at the senator's chances of making a run for governor

HOUSTON – After a heated grudge match over the abortion issue, many are now speculating that Texas Senator Wendy Davis may be gunning for Governor Rick Perry's job. We take a look at the senator's chances of making a run for governor.

After a marathon filibuster, Senator Davis has become a rising star in Texas politics. Now some are wondering if her popularity can help propel her to the governor's mansion.

It was the  filibuster heard around the country as Sen. Davis successfully helped defeat a controversial abortion bill. In the aftermath, she grabbed the national spotlight and became a social media sensation.

"I was not familiar with her before this and I think it's amazing. I think Rick Perry, it's time for him to go," said Julie Hibbs.

"I'm impressed regardless of her political beliefs," Cathy Mormon said.

Now some are urging Senator Davis, a liberal Democrat and mother of two, to challenge Gov. Perry in the next election, or at least consider a run for statewide office.

"If she were to make a statewide run, having a national network who might be financial contributors would be beneficial to her in a campaign," said Keir Murray with KLM Public Affairs.

Murray, a political consultant, says Davis would face a tough time running as a Democrat in a red state, but under the right circumstances her campaign would be competitive.

"The upcoming special session will give her another chance to seize the platform and at least make her case again to Texas and the country as a whole," Murray said.

Governor Perry has not said if he will run for re-election but while speaking to a pro-life group in Dallas, he has taken personal aim at the senator.

"She was teenage mother herself," Perry said. "It's just unfortunate that she hasn't learned from her own example that every life must be given a chance to realize its full potentials," he said.

To which Davis responded, "I could never for a moment put myself in the shoes of another woman confronting a difficult personal choice and it really isn't for him to make statements like that."

State lawmakers will return to the state Capitol on Monday for a second special session. And we could see another defining moment for Davis to grab the limelight.

Governor Perry says he will wait until after the special session to announce his future political plans.