Sen. Bob Casey is seeking a fourth term as Pennsylvania’s now-senior Senator next year.

And he admits that the national balance of power in the Senate impacted that decision.

Casey told the Times Observer Wednesday that 2024 will present a “close contest” for control of the Senate.

Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the Senate.

“It could come down to just our state,” he said. “It will be very, very close.

“That’s obviously a consideration that every senator would weigh when they’re running,” Casey added.

National implications, though, aren’t what he identified as the main reason he’s seeking a fourth term.

“I want to continue to deliver for the people of our state,” he said, citing what he believes to be a “strong track record delivering for the state, not only in those recent votes I cast but also in efforts to try to direct dollars to communities that need help.”

Access to health care will continue to be a priority along with creating and retaining jobs.

Casey cited an “unemployment rate that has never been lower” and said we “got to keep an eye” that the rate remains low while “trying to create economic opportunities.”

Casey was first elected to the Senate in 2006 when he defeated incumbent Rick Santorum by 18 points. He was reelected in 2012 (by nine points over Tom Smith) and in 2018 (by 13 points over Lou Barletta).

The Democrat actually won Warren County in that 2006 election.