CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A Mecklenburg County commissioner and the county's former sheriff has quickly entered the race to succeed retiring Rep. Sue Myrick in North Carolina's 9th Congressional District.

Republican Jim Pendergraph announced his bid Wednesday — one day after Myrick said her ninth term in Congress would be her last. He called himself the "law enforcement candidate" who would follow Myrick's tradition of outstanding service.

Other Republican notables considering entry in the race include Mecklenburg commissioner Bill James, former state Sen. Robert Pittenger and Charlotte City Council member Andy Dulin. Democrats such as Commissioner Jennifer Roberts and Myrick 2010 opponent Jeff Doctor also are looking at running.