An open seat for a Republican district that voted for President Trump by over 35 points is bound to draw interest from a lot of GOP candidates. We can rule one well known former Congressman out from this race.

I am humbled by the number of you who have reached out to me. However, at this time, I am enjoying spending time with my family and preparing for the next chapter of my career. I look forward to helping elect the GOP candidate chosen by the conferees.(2/2)

— Lou Barletta (@louforsenate) February 1, 2019

Former Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne) who represented the old 11th District for the past 8 years said through a tweet that he received many calls to run, but is enjoying spending time with his family and looks forward to helping elect the next GOP candidate to the seat.

“For the past several days, I have received many calls and emails from supporters, former colleagues, and GOP leaders urging me to consider running for Tom’s seat,” Barletta said in a tweet. “I am humbled by the number of you who have reached out to me. However, at this time, I am enjoying spending time with my family and preparing for the next chapter of my career. I look forward to helping elect the GOP candidate chosen by the conferees.”

Rep. Tom Marino (R-Lycoming) announced on Jan. 17 that he was resigning from Congress effective Jan. 23 to take a position in the private sector. Marino just started his fifth term in Congress earlier that month after coasting to an easy re-election in the newly drawn 12th Congressional District.

Barletta and Marino co-chaired President Trump’s campaign in Pennsylvania in 2016, and were dubbed “thunder and lightning” by Trump.

Barletta was unsuccessful in his attempt to unseat Sen. Bob Casey in 2018 and gave up his seat in Congress in his quest to join the Senate.

The special election for the 12th District will be held on May 21, the same day as the Pennsylvania primary.