Republican State Rep. Diehl Exploring A Challenge To Sen. Warren

Republican state Rep. Geoff Diehl is officially exploring a 2018 challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Diehl, who represents parts of Plymouth County, on Wednesday announced the creation of committee to "test the waters on fundraising." He said he'd like to raise "a strong six figures" before deciding whether to enter the race.

The Whitman resident was the Massachusetts campaign co-chair for Donald Trump's presidential bid. Whitman voted for Trump, 49 percent to 44 percent for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

In a statement released by his newly formed committee, Diehl criticized Warren for being "more focused on her national profile rather than working in the best interest of Massachusetts."

In January, Warren announced she would run for reelection.

A WBUR poll later that month found Warren was seen favorably by 51 percent of voters, compared with 37 percent who viewed her unfavorably. However a plurality, 46 percent, said "it's time to give someone else a chance" in the Senate seat.

With reporting by the WBUR Newsroom and State House News Service