Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., declared in separate media interviews he will run for a sixth term next year.
“The reason why I want to seek re-election is that there’s a lot more to do, both for Arizona and the country,” McCain told The Arizona Republic in an interview in his Phoenix office on Monday.
John McCain to run for sixth term in 2016
McCain told NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell in an interview posted online before midnight that he’s “more than ready” and “eager” for what could be a tough 2016 campaign.
McCain, 78, is currently chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The former GOP presidential nominee will be 80 in August 2016.
The senator is set to appear Tuesday at an Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry luncheon in Phoenix where he’ll formally announce his plans.
McCain had said previously he expected to be a top target in the next election cycle. The Arizona Republic recently reported that Tea Party groups are stepping up efforts to find a GOP primary opponent for McCain, who has long angered conservatives with his support for overhauling the immigration system.
McCain easily beat back a 2010 primary challenge from former congressman J.D. Hayworth, on his way to securing a fifth Senate term.
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