Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) is reconsidering his decision to retire from the Senate, according to Monday reports from CNN and Politico.
Republicans are reportedly concerned that Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), the current Republican favorite in Tennessee’s Senate race, would not be able to win the general election.
{mosads}CNN reports that Corker has talked with Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as well as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), about the matter.
It is unclear if Corker initiated the discussions.
The Hill has reached out to Corker’s office for comment.
Blackburn’s campaign spokeswoman told Politico that the congresswoman would not be leaving the race.
“It’s well past time for the good old boys’ club in Washington, D.C., to quit thinking they know who the best candidate and conservative leader is for Tennessee families,” Andrea Bozek said.
Corker, who serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced his retirement in September.
He has notably clashed with President Trump on multiple occasions, including in October after Trump tweeted that the senator had “begged” him for his endorsement and that Trump declined.
Corker fired back, saying the White House has become “an adult day care center” tasked with monitoring and containing the president.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders refused to comment on the reports during her press briefing on Monday.
“We haven’t had that conversation about Sen. Corker’s plans. As always, I can’t weigh in on the specifics of the potential of a race but I would have to talk to the president before making a comment,” she said.