Mayor Cory Booker of Newark announced Thursday via Twitter, where he maintains more than a million followers, that he is exploring the "possibility of running for Senate in 2014."

Booker hopes to replace fellow Democrat Frank Lautenberg at the end of his Senate term in 2014, although the 88-year-old senator has not announced plans to retire.

The Newark mayor has enjoyed a high profile, and recently made headlines for rescuing a neighbor from a burning home and spending a week trying to live on food stamps.

Previously, Booker was seen as a potential challenger to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in next year's election.