Democratic U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, a target for national Republicans, has a GOP challenger with roots in the Lehigh Valley and a background in banking.

John Chrin announced Tuesday that he plans to run for the Republican nomination in the 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Northampton, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon and Monroe counties.

Cartwright won a third term representing the district in November when he topped Republican Matt Connolly by eight points. But at the top of the ticket, President Donald Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton by 10 points.

Earlier this year, the National Republican Campaign Committee listed Cartwright's district as the only Pennsylvania race among its top targets.

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The congressional bid is Chrin's first bid for public office, and he cited his business background in a statement announcing the campaign.

"The 17th District needs a representative in Congress with the practical business experience needed to enact real change and to bridge the divide to get things done," Chrin said. "We need new leaders from outside the political system who are focused on serving the needs of the working families they represent."

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