The Hill News

The mayor of Dallas, a potential candidate to succeed retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), has announced he will not seek reelection, sparking speculation he may run for the Senate.

Republican Mayor Tom Leppert announced he would not seek reelection just a few days after Hutchison announced she wouldn't run for a fourth term in 2012. The field to replace Hutchison, whose political prospects became increasingly dim due to a failed gubernatorial run and her support for the 2008 financial bailout, is considered wide open with both Republicans and Democrats eying the seat.

In the announcement, Leppert first argued how he had improved Dallas in areas such as the economy and education before writing that now he would explore what the "next step" was for him.

"In short! , there has been tremendous progress in a brief time. It's time to look at the next steps," Leppert said. "Over the next few weeks, with much thought and prayer, I will explore how I can best serve the people of Dallas, North Texas, and indeed the entire state of Texas. It is an exciting time to live here and I'm blessed to be serving the citizens of Dallas. When those next steps are clear, you'll be the first to know."

Leppert is one of a number of potential Senate hopefuls who have hinted at a run. Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is also rumored to be interested in Hutchison's Senate seat. For the Democrats, Houston Mayor Bill White and U.S. Trade Rep. Ron Kirk could also enter the race.

Tea Party favorite Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) has also said he planned to play an active role in the Senate race, possibly through backing a Dewhurst bid.