WASHINGTON — With an open U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in North Carolina in 2022, expect the contest to replace retiring Sen. Richard Burr to be both very crowded and very expensive.

One big name candidate has already thrown his hat into the ring: Rep. Mark Walker. The conservative Republican, who currently represents North Carolina’s 6th congressional district, announced his bid for the job Tuesday in an online video.

“When I was elected to Congress I told our team, let’s do more than make an argument, let’s make a difference,” he said in the video.

Walker, a former preacher, is currently wrapping up his third term in Congress.

He opted out of running for re-election to Congress this year. His district had been redrawn, and was won handily by the Democratic candidate there in November.

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In an interview, Walker touted his conservative credentials, while arguing he can be a “bridge builder.”

“We think the message of opportunity and liberty for all, is a message that works for all of our communities,” he said. “I think it's very clear that some of the radical, much of the radical leftist policies have done damage at some of our impoverished communities. That’s why I’m running.”

But Walker could face stiff competition for the job.

The Republican field alone could be quite busy. Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and the president’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, for example, have so far not ruled out jumping into the race.

“It would be an honor to be able to run for such a prestigious position in my home state, but maybe a little early to make a decision on that, so stay tuned,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News last month.

One potentially decisive factor in the Republican field: what does Donald Trump do?

Michael Bitzer, who teaches political science at Catawba College, says he expects the outgoing president will still have a lot of sway come 2022.

“The big question in my mind is who gets that coveted endorsement and signal from President Trump that really kind of maybe clears the field?” Bitzer said.

Walker says he would welcome the president’s backing.

Asked if he is concerned that - in the event she entered the field - Lara Trump would secure that endorsement, Walker pushed back.

“It really doesn’t concern who gets into the race,” he said. “We’re focused on our message. We’re focused on the success and experience we have.”

Expect several Democrats to enter the race as well.

Erica Smith, who ran in the Democratic primary in 2020, said in a Twitter message that she will be running. “We need to bridge the rural urban divide and lift up the voices of working people across the state,” she wrote.