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Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx won't run for governor, ending several days of speculation as to whether he would seek the Democratic nomination in the wake of Gov. Bev Perdue's surprise decision not to seek reelection.
Foxx is starting his second term as mayor. When Perdue announced last week she wouldn't run again, Foxx said he would consider running.
But the mayor has decided to stay in Charlotte.
"Given the unusual circumstances and short time, such a run would have required more focus on a statewide campaign than on my young family and many local issues of importance to me and so many Charlotte residents," Foxx said in a statement today. "Therefore, I have decided to forgo a statewide race this election cycle, and will continue my efforts to build a brighter future for our city.”
Foxx's decision means there won't be matchup between Pat McCrory, the former Charlotte mayor, and Foxx.
McCrory, a Republican, is considered a favorite for the Republican nomination.
Two Democrats have announced they are running: Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and state Rep. Bill Faison of Orange County.
Charlotte investment banker Erskine Bowles is being recruited by many Democrats to run, but Bowles hasn't made a public decision. Bowles was most recently president of the University of North Carolina system.
By not running, Foxx will be able to devote more to preparing for the Democratic National Convention in September. Foxx is a major player in helping the city prepare for the DNC.
