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2nd state senator joins race for Indiana congressional seat

GREENWOOD, Ind. (AP) A second Republican state senator is in the race for the Indiana congressional seat that GOP Rep. Todd Young is giving up to run for the U.S. Senate next year.

Sen. Brent Waltz of Greenwood has started an announcement tour of the 9th District that runs from the southern suburbs of Indianapolis to the Ohio River counties near Louisville, Kentucky.

Waltz was first elected to the Indiana Senate in 2004 but tells the (Franklin) Daily Journal he won’t seek re-election next year to focus on the congressional race.

Republican state Sen. Erin Houchin of Salem also is seeking to replace Young, who wants to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dan Coats.

State Attorney General Greg Zoeller has formed a fundraising committee for the congressional seat, but hasn’t announced a candidacy.