Rep. Lou Barletta Louis (Lou) James BarlettaBottom Line Ex-GOP congressman to lead group to protect Italian products from tariffs Head of Pennsylvania GOP resigns over alleged explicit texts MORE (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.

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"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 Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseySecond GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus GAO report finds brokers offered false info on coverage for pre-existing conditions Catholic group launches .7M campaign against Biden targeting swing-state voters MORE (D-Pa.).

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