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Scott Brown, the former Massachusetts senator who lost his seat to Elizabeth Warren, is poised to open an exploratory committee to run for the Senate again - but this time, in New Hampshire.

Three Republican officials tell ABC News that Brown is nearing a decision to jump into the New Hampshire Senate race to challenge Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

The contest would instantly become one of the hottest races in the country and could give Republicans one more path to winning control of the Senate.

Brown could announce his plans as early as Friday, one source said. But two others said the timing was not immediately clear and could be next month.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee was quick to criticize Brown, saying: "if this exploratory committee is anything more than another publicity stunt he'll have a tough time convincing New Hampshire voters that he cares about anyone other than himself."

On Capitol Hill, word of Brown's interest in the race was met with cheers by some of his former Republican Senate colleagues.

"I'm always a great admirer of Scott," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told ABC News. "He's a great friend and I hope he runs."

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said Brown would be an "outstanding candidate."

"I hope he does run," Corker said. "I loved serving with him while he was here. He's a guy that needs to be in public service."

Brown is scheduled to speak on Friday at the Northeast Republican Leadership Conference, a gathering of Republican politicians and activists, in Nashua, N.H.