Rep. Myrick won’t seek re-election in realigned 9th Dist.

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Rep. Myrick won’t seek re-election in realigned 9th Dist.

Posted on 07 February 2012.

The district now includes north Mecklenburg and south Iredell

sue myrick announcement that she won't seek re-election

U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, R-Charlotte, posted a video on her campaign website announcing she is retiring. Click to go to the website.

U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, R-Charlotte, said Tuesday she won’t seek re-election in the reconfigured ninth Congressional district. That throws the race wide open in the district, which now stretches from Union County north to south Iredell and includes Davidson and Cornelius. At least one candidate – Republican county commissioner and former sheriff Jim Pendergraph – has already thrown a hat into ring.

Rep. Myrick, 70, issued a statement on Facebook and posted a video on her 2012 re-election website announcing her decision. She said:

“After thoughtful discussion with my family, I have decided not to run for another term in Congress. I’m grateful for the privilege of serving you. We have all been blessed by staff members who truly care and delight in helping to solve problems for everyone in the district. Thanks for the trust you have placed in us all these years. We will spend the rest of the year working on the issues that are important to all of you – and I hope to be a positive influence in all our negotiations. I hope you will join me in praying that God will heal our nation. May God bless you and your family.” – Rep. Sue Myrick

Davidson and Cornelius formerly were part of U.S. Rep. Mel Watt’s 12th District. But N.C. General Assembly Republicans redrew the boundaries last summer in a redistricting that incorporated new population figures from the 2010 Census.

Even as Rep. Myrick’s announcement was still fresh, chattering began about who might run for the open seat. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jim Pendergraph announced he’ll seek the nomination. In a post on Twitter he said, “I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the 9th Congressional District. It would be a distinct honor to serve the residents of #NC09.” Mr. Pendergraph scheduled a press conference for Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. in Charlotte to make a formal announcement.

Filing for the November election begins Monday, Feb. 13, at noon and runs through Feb. 29 at noon. More info at MeckBoe.org.

July 2, 2011, “Plan would shift area out of 12th district, into 9th”