Steven Welch is about to shake up the 6th Congressional District race.

Welch had been planning to run for the 7th Congressional District, but with former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan expected to announce Monday he will seek the 7th District Republican nomination in 2010, Welch believes he has a better chance of winning in the neighboring 6th Congressional District.

Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District seat is held by Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak, who opted to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in the Democratic primary instead of seeking re-election. Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District is currently held by Republican Rep. Jim Gerlach, who is running for Pennsylvania governor instead of seeking re-election to Congress.

From Welch's announcement:

"When I decided with my family to run for public office, I did so knowing the uphill battle I faced against an incumbent with over $4 million in his campaign account. I am running for Congress because I believe that we need elected officials who have experience creating jobs, balancing a budget and meeting a bottom line," Welch said. "Having been raised in Chester County and building my businesses and creating good jobs here in the 6th District, I know the great potential these communities have to lead the charge in turning around our economy.

"Pat Meehan's decision to seek the nomination in the 7th District provides our region twice the opportunity to elect leaders who will restore fiscal responsibility to Washington," said Welch. "This campaign has never been about me, it has been about engaging new voters in this process and effectively communicating the need for fiscal responsibility and how we can create good jobs in the Delaware Valley.

"The 6th District requires proven experience to recharge our economy and craft policies that lead to job-creation. I will work tirelessly to earn the respect of 6th District voters and ensure that Southeastern Pennsylvania and our country get back on track so that the American dream is within everyone's reach," added Welch.

Welch, a political newcomers will have to face two seasoned Republican opponents in the 2010 GOP primary. State Rep. Curt Schroder and Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello are also seeking the 6th District nomination.

Welch is the founder & former CEO of the Mitos Group, a leader in biotechnology solutions. Welch is also the co-founder of DreamIt Ventures, a unique venture firm that helps technology start-ups get off the ground. Over the past two years DreamIt has funded over 20 small businesses and helped nearly 100 entrepreneurs.

In 2008, Welch was selected as a member of the Philadelphia Business Journal's 40 under 40, as well as being named its Entrepreneur of the Year. Most recently, Welch was awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship to build bridges internationally in small business communities to drive job creation and economic development.

Welch and his wife, Nicole, live in Upper Providence with their daughter and son.

His campaign Web site is http://www.welchforpa.com/