Top Trump ally announces Senate run in Pennsylvania

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) early Tuesday announced that he is running for Senate.

In a video posted to Twitter, Barletta said he had a “big announcement.”

“After talking to Mary Grace and our family, many people across Pennsylvania and saying a few prayers, I’ve decided to run for the United States Senate,” he said in the video.

{mosads}”I don’t see running for the Senate to represent Pennsylvania as an opportunity. I see it as a responsibility.”

Barletta, who has served in the House since 2011, was an early backer of President Trump.

He enters a primary race that so far includes two Pennsylvania Republican state representatives.

The winner of the GOP primary will ultimately face off against incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.).

The Associated Press previously reported that Trump had been pushing Barletta, an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration, to enter the race.