Former Gov. Mike Rounds (R) is making moves to challenge Sen. Tim Johnson (D) in 2014.

Even though there are 53 days to go before Election Day, Rounds opened an exploratory committee to examine a Senate race more than two years away, according to the Argus Leader.

“I do have an interest in looking at the 2014 Senate race in South Dakota,” Rounds told the newspaper, noting that any announcement will come after Nov. 6.

If Johnson seeks re-election, his race versus Rounds would make for a serious Senate battle. The 2014 Senate map favors Republicans with several Democratic incumbents up for re-election in tough, traditionally conservative states.

Johnson currently serves as chairman of the Banking Committee, a powerful Senate panel. Rounds served two terms as governor.