Rep. Cramer will not challenge Heitkamp in Senate race

Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced Thursday that he will not be running for U.S. Senate, reports AP. He told talk radio host Scott Hennen that he is seeking reelection in the House instead.

Why it matters: The move is a blow to Republicans, who thought Cramer would have a good shot at unseating Democrat Heidi Heitkamp in the North Dakota race this fall. The move leaves state Sen. Tom Campbell as the only Republican in the race, but he lacks Cramer's name recognition and experience.