PITTSBURGH -- Lynn Swann, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer and veteran commentator for ABC Sports, declared his Republican candidacy for Pennsylvania governor on Wednesday afternoon.

For months, Swann has been dropping public hints about his intentions to run for office.

Swann, 53, of Sewickley, also has speaking events planned in Erie, Altoona and Scranton on Thursday, and in Philadelphia, Allentown and Lancaster on Friday.

Republicans who have also announced their candidacy for governor are former Lt. Gov. William Scranton III, state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola and retired business advocate Jim Panyard.

Independent polls have consistently shown Scranton and Swann running ahead of the other two Republican candidates.

The same polls show Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, who is expected to seek a second term, leading Scranton and Swann by more than 10 percentage points.

Swann said he raised $1 million thus far for his campaign.