WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-California, a vocal supporter of President Bush's efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, announced Monday he will explore a bid for president.

"I am going to lay out what I believe in for this country and ask the people who support those ideas and principles to support me," said Hunter, who serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Hunter, who was first elected in 1980 and is seeking re-election to a 14th term next Tuesday, was immediately endorsed by Rep. Trent Franks, R-Arizona.

Hunter brushed off suggestions that his decision to make this announcement one week before Election Day was a sign that he thinks Democrats are going to win back the House majority. The California Republican said he has always made it a practice to make his political future known.

"I have always told my constituents what I planned to do for the next couple of years," he said at a news conference in San Diego. "Well, it is seven days before the election and I haven't laid it out. So, I thought that today I would come down and lay my cards on the table. I have always done that."

Hunter also predicted Republicans would maintain the House majority after next week's election.