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Rep. Lou Barletta, left, is considering challenging Sen. Bob Casey, right.

(PennLive.com/file)

Rep. Lou Barletta is considering challenging Sen. Bob Casey in the Senate race on the encouragement of President Donald Trump.

In a report from the Associated Press, Barletta campaign consultant John Brabender said Wednesday that Trump this week spoke to the Republican congressman from Pennsylvania about running in next year's midterm election.

Barletta, who represents the 4th congressional district, was an early supporter of Trump during the campaign and became a surrogate. Trump at one point considered the 61-year-old Hazleton Republican for a cabinet post.

Casey, a second-term Democrat who is seeking re-election, faces about a half-dozen would-be challengers. Barletta, who has made a name for himself as an immigration hardliner, would become the most recognizable name in that field.

Republicans hold a 52-48 majority in the Senate, meaning the GOP would need a gain of eight seats to reach a filibuster-proof margin. A Republican gain of the 60 seats needed to have a filibuster-proof Senate majority would mean a decisive rule for the GOP and Trump.

Were he to run, Barletta would go up against several GOP challengers in the primary, including state Rep. Rick Saccone. Saccone, a little-known lawmaker from Allegheny County, is one the Legislature's staunchest conservatives and a Trump supporter.

Several other Republicans are thought to be mulling statewide runs next year, including prospects like House Majority Leader Dave Reed, a Republican from Indiana County, and Montgomery County businessman Jeff Bartos.

As Hazleton mayor, Barletta attracted national attention by pushing laws aimed at undocumented immigrants. A federal court eventually struck down his measures.

Casey, 56, is the son of a late former governor and one of Pennsylvania's best-known politicians. Casey, who plans to seek a third six-year term in next year's election, is a fierce critic of Trump.

Pennsylvania, which has historically voted Democratic for president, last fall tipped in favor of Trump, despite the state's Democratic registration edge.