NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican State Rep. Joe Carr is considering a run for the congressional seat held by embattled U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais.

Carr, who won a third term in the state House last month, said in a release Thursday that Nashville auto dealer Lee Beaman will chair his exploratory committee.

Carr has been a vocal supporter of tougher immigration laws in Tennessee, and last year sponsored a failed proposal to boost taxes on strippers and adult businesses to help pay for a reduction in the state tax on coins, bullion and investment income.

DesJarlais, a Jasper physician, won a second term in Congress in November despite revelations he had sexual relationships with patients and once urged one of them to seek an abortion. DesJarlais has rejected calls for his resignation.