Overcoming New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's all-time-high job approval rating is a leap that Newark's "super hero" Mayor Cory Booker realizes he cannot bound. After seriously considering a challenge to Christie in 2013, Booker will instead "explore" a run for the U.S. Senate in 2014.

One of Twitter's biggest fans, he was expected to make an official announcement in a tweet Thursday, but broke the news in an online video in which he read a guest column he'd written that was posted today in the Star Ledger. 

"[Let] there be no doubt, I will complete my full second term as mayor. As for my political future, I will explore the possibility of running for the United States Senate in 2014," he wrote.

The mayor would like to replace incumbent Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg, 88, who has served in the Senate since 1982, except during a brief retirement. The senior statesman may retire in 2014, given his age, but has not yet stated any plans to do so. Booker praised his potential rival as he announced plans to go after his job.

"As I explore a run for the United States Senate, I look forward to consulting with Sen. Lautenberg," he said. "During my lifetime, he has been one of New Jersey’s most important leaders. It would be a privilege to continue his great legacy of service."

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(Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Macy's)