US President Barack Obama is to nominate John Kerry to be his next secretary of state, US media report.
Mr Kerry would replace Hillary Clinton at the head of the state department, the media quoted senior administration officials as saying.
Mr Kerry ran as Democratic presidential candidate in 2004 and is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
His nomination comes after the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, withdrew from consideration last week.
Republicans had fiercely criticised her role in the aftermath of the deadly attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, in September.
They had threatened to block her nomination despite the president’s strong defence of her actions.
Mr Kerry himself had spoken up for Ms Rice, saying: “I’ve defended her publicly and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again because I know her character and I know her commitment. She’s an extraordinarily capable and dedicated public servant.”
Influential senator
Mr Kerry, 69, would be Mr Obama’s first cabinet nomination since he won a second term last month.
Analysts say Mr Kerry is unlikely to face opposition from Republicans.
Mr Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran, lost a close presidential election to George W Bush in 2004 and had been a contender for the state department in 2008, before Mrs Clinton was chosen.
Mr Kerry has since remained an influential senator, making key trips to Pakistan, Syria and the Gaza Strip.
Source: BBC News