The Republican primary field for the U.S. Senate is continuing to grow.

Jeff Bartos, a Reading native, announced today he is jumping into the race to challenge Senator Bob Casey in 2018.  Bartos made his announcement in a video.  

“While Bob Casey and his liberal DC friends enrich themselves on our dollars, Pennsylvania’s hard-working men and women suffer.  That’s why I’m running for Senate – to fight for them, take back our Senate seat from the Casey dynasty and help the people of Pennsylvania,” Bartos said in a release announcing the video.  

According to his website, Bartos currently owns a contracting company, and multiple real estate acquisition and development companies.

In his release, Bartos continues the messaging that the National Republican Senatorial Committee has been using against Casey, tying him to the liberal wing of the Democratic Party.  

“Bob Casey answers to Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, not the Pennsylvanians who sent him to Washington,” Bartos said in the release.  

State Representatives Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny) and Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), and RNC Delegate Andrew Schektor have all announced bids for Senate. Southeast businessman Paul Addis is considering a run for the Senate as well.  

You can view Bartos’ announcement below.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_rPpkhylsU&feature=youtu.be