(Photo via mirandaforarizona.com)

Sen. Catherine Miranda

State Senator Catherine Miranda said she’s “strongly exploring” the possibility to run for United States Congress in Arizona’s first congressional district.

The announcement was released shortly after Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick revealed her run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John McCain.

Miranda said she applauds congresswoman Kirkpatrick and her decision to seek higher office.

Miranda doesn’t currently live within District 1 boundaries, but she said she would move if the run becomes official.

Arizona’s first congressional district spans across much of central and eastern Arizona but does not include the Tucson or Phoenix metro areas.