Josh Mandel announces run for U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Portman

For the third time, Republican Josh Mandel will make a run at a seat in the U.S. Senate, he announced Wednesday morning.

“Watching this sham impeachment has made my blood boil and motivated me to run,” Mandel said. “I’m going to Washington to fight for President Trump’s America First Agenda.”

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Mandel is targeting the seat that will be open after current Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced he will not run for re-election in 2022.

He faces likely competition from Jane Timken, who left her position as head of the Ohio Republican Party last week to explore a run.

At least two Democrats, veteran U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who represents the blue-collar Mahoning Valley, and former state health director Amy Acton have also signaled serious interest in the coveted open seat.

Mandel previously ran in 2012 for Senate against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). He also ran in 2018, but withdrew from the race citing his wife’s health.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

Cox Media Group