House Republican Policy Chairman Luke Messer is planning to run against Indiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly in 2018, The Hill reports.
Donnelly, a first-term senator, defeated tea party favorite Richard Mourdock in a major upset in 2012. Mourdock had knocked off longtime Sen. Dick Lugar in the Republican primary.
As the GOP gears up to try to win back the seat, Messer is expected to get help from President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is the outgoing Indiana governor, according to The Hill. Trump easily beat Hillary Clinton in Indiana 57 percent to 38 percent.
Ironically, Pence defeated Messer in a Republican primary for a House seat in 2000. However, the two are now close friends.
While Messer declined comment, sources tell The Hill, a formal announcement will likely come after the new year.
Until recently Messer had been rumored to be under consideration for Trump's education secretary.
"Donald Trump ran on a big and bold education agenda, and I'd be excited to help make that agenda a reality," Messer had told the Washington Examiner last month.
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