PHOENIX — State Sen. Kelly Townsend announced Monday that she's seeking a congressional seat in southern Arizona.
The decision means Townsend will avoid facing fellow Republican Wendy Rogers for a legislative seat.
Townsend says she won't resign while she campaigns for Congress.
She will join a crowded field of Republicans vying for the nomination in the August primary.
Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick is retiring, leaving the seat open. Townsend doesn't live in the district, but she's not required to.
