U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3, announced Friday via a news release that he is considering running in the U.S. Senate race in 2018.

“Senator Casey's far-left pandering in Washington along with his paper-thin record of accomplishments during his long career in government have made him a disappointing representative of Pennsylvania,” he said. “The people of our commonwealth deserve two active legislators who will energetically represent commonsense Pennsylvania values in Congress' upper chambers.”

Kelly said that while he previously considered running for governor, he is confident that there are enough strong Republicans already vying for the position.

Ed Natali, chairman of the Butler County Republican Committee, is confident in Kelly's chances should he run, and believes he is the right man for the job.

Kelly, 69, has been a U.S. congressman since 2011 and is on his fourth term.

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