A Pennsylvania Republican state representative on Friday announced his plans to run against Sen. Bob Casey Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseyGAO report finds brokers offered false info on coverage for pre-existing conditions Catholic group launches .7M campaign against Biden targeting swing-state voters GOP senator to quarantine after coronavirus exposure MORE (D-Penn.) in the 2018 mid-term elections.

Jim Christiana announced his bid for Casey’s seat at the Republican Lincoln Dinner in Beaver County.

“Campaigns today can be ugly, personal and not focused on ideas or solutions,” Christiana said in his announcement.

“But Pennsylvania, and our nation, has big and unique challenges – here at home and abroad – that demand a newer vision, fresher thinking, and a different approach to delivering results that lift up families and communities across the Commonwealth.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Christiana, who has served in the Pennsylvania state House since 2009, took aim at Casey in his announcement speech, arguing the senator puts “partisan politics” before Pennsylvania voters.

“As a rubber stamp for President Obama, he’s not delivered or led independently,” Christiana said, citing the two-term Democratic senator's opposition to President Trump's pick of Judge Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court this week.

Christiana is currently pursuing his law degree at Widener University, according to his biography on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives website.

He serves District 15 in Pennsylvania, which includes parts of Washington and Beaver County in the western part of the Keystone State outside of Pittsburgh.

He's the second GOP challenger to Casey from southwestern Pennsylvania, following state Rep. Rick Saccone, who announced his candidacy in February.