Republicans choose nominee for special election set to fill remainder of Tim Murphy's term

State Rep. Rick Saccone was chosen Saturday as the Republican nominee for the March 13 special election to fill the 18th Congressional District seat vacancy created by Tim Murphy's resignation.

The 18th Congressional District includes portions of Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland and Greene counties,

Murphy resigned after his hometown newspaper, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, published text messages three weeks ago that revealed he had suggested a mistress get an abortion when they thought she might be pregnant.

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The 18th District seat has a majority of registered Democrats in it, but is considered Republican-friendly. Republican Donald Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton there by a margin of three-to-two.

Saccone, elected in 2010, advocates reducing government regulation, spending and taxes and expanding gun rights.

The Democrats will pick their nominee next Sunday.

Next year's primary and general elections will determine who holds the seat in the 2019-20 term.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

Cox Media Group