GOP Rep. Brooks won't challenge Democratic Sen. Donnelly

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks has decided against launching a campaign to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly in the 2018 election.

Brooks easily won election in November to her third term in Congress after unsuccessfully seeking the GOP nomination for governor following Mike Pence's selection to become Donald Trump's running mate.

Brooks said in a statement Tuesday that she's focused on being a strong leader for the 5th Congressional District, which stretches from the north side of Indianapolis to the Marion area. Brooks became chairwoman of the House Ethics Committee this year.

Donnelly was elected to the Senate in 2012 is now the only Indiana Democrat holding statewide office. National Republicans are targeting Donnelly for defeat after Trump won Indiana by 19 percentage points.