MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — State Sen. Jim Tracy has officially announced that he will run for the congressional seat held by embattled fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais.
Tracy, of Shelbyville, made the announcement on Wednesday in Murfreesboro.
DesJarlais, a Jasper physician, won a second term in Congress in November despite revelations he had sexual relationships with patients and once urged one of them to seek an abortion. DesJarlais has rejected calls for his resignation.
Tracy, who considered a congressional bid last year, has long expressed his concerns over the allegations against DesJarlais, saying Washington "requires someone of integrity and character."
Tracy also ran for Congress in 2010 before his county was moved from the 6th District.
Republican State Rep. Joe Carr is also considering challenging DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District.