Washington ( CNN ) -- Sen. John McCain , who has held onto his Senate seat for 30 years , seems hesitant to let it go in the next 2016 election . The Arizona senator , who will be 80 years old that year , told reporters on Thursday that he is `` strongly considering '' and `` leaning towards '' another reelection bid . `` We were talking to our longtime supporters -- many of whom have been with us for many years and we 're grateful for their support -- about the options , and what we see as the future of the party in Washington and here in Arizona , '' McCain said after an event at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix , according to the Arizona Republic . `` We 're getting a lot of their input as to whether I should run for re-election or not . They know that I am seriously considering it , and leaning towards it . '' While his supporters think he has enough steam for another term , McCain said it would be `` a very , very tough campaign . '' He has been heavily criticized by conservatives for sticking closer to the center than with them . The Arizona Republic reports that the state 's Republican Party targeted McCain earlier this year for `` being too liberal , '' especially with immigration reform . If he decides to throw his hat in the ring , McCain knows the campaign trail will be bumpy . `` Oh , I think you can certainly anticipate it , '' McCain said . `` If you 're going to win a campaign , you have to plan for all scenarios , including significant primary opposition . I would n't like to see it , obviously . Unfortunately , we do n't conduct campaigns by unanimous consent . '' With a tough primary potentially ahead of him , McCain said he will announce his decision in early 2015 . `` We 've got to get going early next year , '' he said . `` We have to prepare , as we always do . Every campaign I 've been in , I 've said , 'Look , this is going to be the toughest . ' You have to assume that . We 've seen , historically , that people who take anything for granted , then they put that election in jeopardy . I 've never done that . ''
Sen. John McCain says he 's 'seriously considering ' running for re-election . Warns that the campaign will be `` very , very , tough , '' starting with the GOP primary . Score: 6