The late GOP Sen. John McCain's former chief of staff said Wednesday he is considering a Senate run as a Democrat, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Grant Woods, who also served as Arizona attorney general, told the Post he has spoken to several Democratic senators about the idea, including Minority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
He has also talked to Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., the Post reported.
"What's changed for me is the passing of John McCain," said Woods, who delivered a eulogy for McCain last week, the Post reported. "It's challenging for me be so involved in everything that we did to honor him over the last week, and then think of staying on the sidelines as we face a world without John McCain."
The New York Times first reported Tuesday that Woods was talking with Democrats about a bid for McCain's seat, which will be be up for grabs in a special election in 2020 and again in 2022 for a full six-year term.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has picked former GOP Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., to succeed McCain.
Woods, who supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, told the Post he will not consider running as a Republican as long as President Donald Trump remains.
"I'm not going to hold my breath on Trump because I'm not going to pass out," Woods told the news outlet.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.