Rep. Mike Kelly Mulling Challenge to Pa. Sen. Bob Casey

Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., is considering making a 2018 bid for Democratic Sen. Bob Casey's seat in Pennsylvania, the Washington Examiner is reporting.

"The people of our Commonwealth deserve two active legislators who will energetically represent commonsense Pennsylvania values in Congress's upper chamber," Kelly said.

"I will be giving this race serious consideration in the months ahead and will make a final decision later this summer."

If Kelly runs, he will likely do so as a strong supporter of President Donald Trump's policies, the Examiner noted. He would have to first win the Republican primary in order to face Casey.

Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa., is also considering running, according to the Examiner.

Kelly had also been mulling the Pennsylvania governor's race, but decided against it, The Morning Call in Allentown Pa., reported.

"Earlier this week I reached out to several of the potential Republican candidates for governor to inform them that I will not be pursuing the GOP nomination for that race," Kelly said.

"I plan to spend much of the coming weeks thoroughly considering a campaign for the GOP nomination for next year's U.S. Senate race."

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