Contrary to growing speculation on social media, Newsmax has learned that Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., will announce Friday he is seeking re-election this year.

At 85 and after 26 years in office — the longest tenure of any senator from Oklahoma — the stalwart conservative Inhofe is considered a cinch for another term.

"All that speculation on Twitter and other outlets that Jim was going to announce his retirement was just that — speculation," a source close to Inhofe told Newsmax. "Jim will make known his decision to run again in a series of appearances throughout the state."

By most accounts, Inhofe's move up to the chairmanship of the powerful Armed Services Committee following the 2018 death of Sen. John McCain, R.-Ariz., has been a "new lease on life" for the Sooner State lawmaker.

Wielding the gavel as committee chairman, Inhofe has overseen implementation of President Donald Trump's military budgets. By all accounts, he speaks frequently to Trump and has a good relationship with him.

Inhofe, a pilot and airplane owner, has often joked with Newsmax that he would "consider retirement when I am no longer able to fly a plane upside down."

John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.