State Rep. Curt Schroder (R) has filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for Rep. Jim Gerlach’s (R) seat in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Schroder did not return a request for comment, but sources confirmed earlier this year that he had discussed a bid with Gerlach if the four-term Republican decides to leave Congress to run statewide. Gerlach is currently exploring a gubernatorial bid in 2010 but is also considering running for Senate next year.

Either way, Gerlach’s departure would leave his competitive district up for grabs next cycle. President Barack Obama won the 6th district with 58 percent of the vote in 2008, while Gerlach held off a little-known Democratic opponent, winning with just 52 percent.

Former Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board member Doug Pike (D) has already announced he will run for Gerlach’s seat and is expected to put $1 million of his own funds into the race.