Now there are five.

Larry Casha is the latest Republican to say he wants a crack at Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in CD-11.

Casha, who serves on the state Republican Committee, has sent letters to county committee members saying he plans to run for the GOP congressional nomination. He promised a formal announcement next month.

Four people previously have announced plans to run:

In no particular order, they are businessman Tom Toomey, lawyer Robert Kovic, screenwriter Hillery Brotschol and Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen.

Of that group, Selen, is the only one to have elected experience.

Casha, an attorney who lives in Kinnelon, is a longstanding Republican activist.

Back in December, 2019, he announced plans to run against Sherrill in 2020.

Intra-party machinations changed things.

Rosemary Becchi, who had planned to run in CD-7, opted to run in CD-11. This avoided a primary in CD-7 with Thomas Kean Jr.

It also resulted in Casha giving up his plans to run in deference to party unity.

In the end, Kean lost narrowly to Democrat Tom Malinowski and Becchi lost – not so narrowly – to Sherrill.

That was 2020.

Things may be different in 2022. Republicans, who gained House seats last year despite losing the presidency, are very excited about next year’s midterm election. Clearly, GOP victories in New Jersey can help Republicans take control of the House.

The playing field, however, is also changing.

Republicans still held the registration lead when Sherrill won her seat three years ago; now Democrats are up by almost 10,000.

This district is centered in Morris County, but also includes parts of Essex, Passaic and Sussex. Redistricting, of course, may change things.

Candidates often beget candidates, so other Republicans can always jump in between now and next year.

Should be fun to watch.