GREENVILLE, N.C. - Perdue’s decision not to run for a second term came as a shock to everyone.
For Republicans, the question is how well they can respond to this.
For Democrats, it’s a race to see who can gain the most support by May’s primary.
"Since the constitutional change in 1977, every governor has sought re-election and has been successful,” said political expert Steve Modlin.
He says the Democratic Party will now have to scramble.
“Whoever comes out of the primary, your going to see them really trying to advocate policy changes, things they can get done to reinvigorate the economy in this state,” said Modlin.
So who are some of these potential candidates?
First up, Lt. Governor Walter Dalton. He announced he was in the race, right after Perdue announced she's out.
Other potentials include Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and former White House Chief of Staff and UNC system president Erskine Bowles.
Nine on your side talked with state representative Bill Faison, who has already been running television ads supporting job reform.
He says the day of Perdue’s announcement is not the right time to make public his plans, but you can expect to hear from his campaign soon.
Whoever decides to run, Modlin says they have a lot of work to do and a little time to do it.
“Number one getting the electorate to really know who they are, getting name recognition, and money - they're going to need a lot of money, I’ll estimate between 10 to 15 million to run a very effective campaign,” he says.
Analysts believe the Republican candidate will be Pat McCrory.
Only 2 of the past 25 governors elected in North Carolina were Republicans.
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