Former Gov. McCrory announces U.S. Senate campaign

In this photo taken Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory participates during a University of North Carolina Institute of Politics forum in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

CHARLOTTE – Former Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, announced on his radio show Wednesday he was running for the open U.S. Senate seat in 2022.

“I’m in, and I’m in because I’m the best for the job,” McCrory said, highlighting his experience as governor and as Charlotte’s long-time mayor from 1995 through 2009.

McCrory filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission on Wednesday establishing his new campaign committee in Charlotte.

In a video announcemnt, McCrory highlighted what he called the need for North Carolina solutions in Washington.

“I think most of you would agree that right now, Washington has no common sense. I built my career outside of Washington and made the tough decisons to balance our budgets and cut your taxes,” McCrory said. “It’s time we join together and take back the Senate.”