WASHINGTON — With the election just a year away, Sen. Bob Corker said Monday he is still weighing whether he will run for a third term next year.

“After spending a lifetime in business, I ran for mayor of Chattanooga as a civic endeavor, and I continue to do what I do because I wholeheartedly believe in public service," the Chattanooga Republican said in a statement. "That approach allows me to truly throw myself into the job and make decisions based on what I believe is best for Tennessee and our country without thinking about the next election or the next potential opportunity.

“It is a tremendous privilege to serve Tennesseans in the Senate and much work lies ahead, including passing tax reform, strengthening our national security and getting spending under control," Corker said. "But I think everyone in the Volunteer State knows, as they did in 2012, that running for re-election has never been an automatic for me.

“While we are in a strong position, I am still contemplating the future and will make a decision at the appropriate time."

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Corker’s office released the statement amid reports that he is considering retiring next year and that former White House strategist Steve Bannon, who has returned to his former role at Breitbart News, is organizing primary challengers against establishment Republicans.

Politico, citing anonymous sources, reported Sunday that Bannon has set his sights on Corker and three other Republican senators — Dean Heller of Nevada, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Roger Wicker of Mississippi.

Bannon has begun holding private meetings with possible challengers and is coordinating with conservative mega-donor Robert Mercer, who is prepared to pour millions of dollars into attacks on GOP incumbents, Politico reported.

Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been both a critic and a supporter of President Donald Trump. He had been considered as a possible vice presidential running mate for Trump but withdrew his name from consideration. He also was on the short list to become Trump’s secretary of state, a job that eventually went to Rex Tillerson.

The relationship between Corker and Trump turned rocky last month after the senator publicly complained that Trump has not shown the competence needed to lead the country.

The White House called Corker’s comments "ridiculous," and Trump weighed in on Twitter, saying the senator's statement was strange "considering that he is constantly asking me whether or not he should run again in '18. Tennessee not happy!"

Corker later said both men were just being direct and that the exchanges haven't affected their relationship.

More:Republican Sen. Bob Corker: Trump has not shown 'competence' needed to lead

Corker already has a campaign infrastructure in place and has been raising money in case he does decide to run again. The senator has $7.5 million in cash sitting in his campaign account.

Despite his huge money advantage, several Republicans are considering taking on Corker in the GOP primary.

Joe Carr, a former state representative from Lascassas, confirmed in August that he’s thinking about challenging Corker for the GOP nomination. Carr lost a competitive primary race against Sen. Lamar Alexander in 2014, but was crushed last year when he mounted a primary challenge against Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin.

Andrew Ogles, state director for Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee, an advocacy organization founded by the conservative Koch Brothers, is reportedly considering a run against Corker. State Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, has also expressed interest.

On the Democratic side, James Mackler, a Nashville attorney and former Iraq War veteran, is seeking his party's nomination for Corker's Senate seat.