The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported over the weekend that State Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith is stepping down from her post to explore running for the seat held by Rep. Zach Wamp (R), who is running for governor.

Smith will leave her state party post at the end of the month.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by contact from grass-roots supporters, from elected officials, from major donors asking me to take a strong look— at running, Smith said, according to the newspaper

Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble and attorney Chuck Fleischmann are already running in the GOP primary. Former state Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and 2006 nominee Brent Benedict are seeking the Democratic nod, but the Republican nominee will be heavily favored to hold the Chattanooga-based seat.