Political junkies salivating over a potential showdown between New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Cory Booker in New Jersey's gubernatorial race next year might not get their wish.

Booker, the rising-star Democratic mayor of Newark, N.J., is leaning toward running for U.S. Senate in 2014 instead, sources tell the Wall Street Journal.

Booker's office did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo News, but the Journal reports the mayor is eyeing the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who, at 88, is widely expected to retire.

Booker, who has repeatedly said he will decide by this month about his political future, could make an announcement on Twitter as soon as this week.