Republican Sen. David Vitter announced Tuesday he will run for governor of Louisiana in 2015, aiming to succeed term-limited Bobby Jindal.

Because he is not up for re-election in the Senate until 2016, Vitter would have to resign from that seat early if his gubernatorial bid is successful.

“This decision will in no way limit the critical work I am doing today in the U.S. Senate. Representing you and your family will continue to be my top priority,” Vitter said in an online video announcing his candidacy. “But I believe that as our next governor, I can have a bigger impact addressing the unique challenges and opportunities we face in Louisiana.”

The second-term senator was widely expected to seek the governor’s mansion. As the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, he and Chairwoman Barbara Boxer worked together to move a water resources bill through the upper chamber, with the pair making headlines for their bipartisan efforts. But Vitter irked colleagues recently when he tried to end Obamacare subsidies for congressional staffers. Such as change would not only have increased costs for those staffers, but it was also seen as a calculated move to separate himself from Washington in preparation for the governor’s race. Vitter tried to tie the health care law provision to an energy efficiency bill, which failed after a fight on amendments.

Vitter’s announcement also comes as his fellow Pelican State senator, Democrat Mary Landrieu, faces a difficult re-election campaign this year in a race that could determine control of the Senate. Vitter’s potential exit could set the stage for another high-profile race a year later.

“Although an active campaign is still a year away, I'll start preparing for it immediately by doing what I've always done, including as our U.S. Senator. That's listening to you, knowing that I sure don't have all the answers,” Vitter said in the video.

He was easily re-elected in 2010 and enjoys high approval ratings despite being connected to the 2007 “D.C. Madam” prostitution scandal. At that time, Vitter described his involvement -- his name appeared on a list of client phone numbers from 1999-2001 -- a “very serious sin.”