Tim Larkin, R-Summerville, has announced plans to enter the race for the First District Congressional seat.

Larkin is an information systems security engineer working for a Department of Defense contractor in North Charleston. He is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, currently serves in the S.C. Army National Guard.

Larkin joins a crowded GOP field to fill the congressional seat vacated by now-Sen. Tim Scott, R-Charleston. The filing period closes at noon on Jan. 28 with primaries set for March 19. If needed, primary runoffs will be held April 3 with the special election set for May 17.