Another candidate today joined the primary race for Republicans hoping to unseat Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.). Neurosurgeon John Whitley stressed economic issues in his announcement for the 8th Congressional district.

He will face insurance executive Daniel Barry, former Iredell County Commissioner Scott Keadle and former Winston-Salem City Councilor Vernon Robinson in a GOP primary. Potential entrants to the race include businessman Pat Molamphy and state Rep. Justin Burr.

The decennial redistricting process left the 8th district substantially more Republican then it was in 2010 when Kissell won a 2nd term with 53 percent of the vote.

As Roll Call first reported, the National Republican Congressional Committee began airing a television advertisement against Kissell today.

Roll Call rates the race Likely Republican.