Rockingham County District Attorney Phil Berger Jr., a Republican, will announce Wednesday that he will run for the open-seat contest in North Carolina’s 6th District, according to a source close to Berger’s campaign.

Berger will make the announcement at a local charter school, becoming the fourth Republican to enter the race to replace Rep. Howard Coble, the longtime Republican who announced his retirement earlier this month. Other Republicans also running for the seat include Baptist pastors Dan Collison and Bradley Walker, and veteran Don Webb.

Berger, the son of state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, had long planned to run for the seat when Coble retired.

According to the source, Berger will have help from his father’s political team – the same consultants who helped the GOP secure the majority in the state Senate for the first time in 130 years.

Other Republicans could also enter the GOP primary field in the coming days. Local operatives say retired NASCAR driver Terry Labonte is eyeing a bid. Labonte did not return request for comment on his plans.

On the Democratic side, two candidates are currently running for the seat: Former University of North Carolina administrator Laura Fjeld, and Durham County Soil and Water Supervisor Danielle Adams.

North Carolina’s 6th District is rated a Safe Republican seat by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call. GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney won this district with 58 percent in 2012.