LITTLE ROCK — Former federal prosecutor Conner Eldridge says he's considering challenging Republican U.S. Sen. John Boozman in Arkansas next year and plans to make a decision in the coming weeks.

Eldridge on Monday said he's considering running for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat held by Boozman, who was first elected in 2010 and is seeking a second term.

Eldridge stepped down as the U.S. attorney for the western district of Arkansas earlier this month after widespread speculation he was weighing a Senate bid. He was appointed to the post in 2010. His last day on the job was Friday.

Eldridge faces an uphill battle in Arkansas, where Republicans have swept statewide and federal offices in recent elections by tying Democrats to President Barack Obama.

Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.