CHARLOTTE -- Mecklenburg County Commissioner Dumont Clarke isn't running for re-election next year.

He was first elected in 2000, making him one of the county's longest serving elected officials. 

Only Republican commissioner Bill James has served longer.

In a statement, Commissioner Clarke says making this decision was much easier after seeing a new wave of younger Democrats express interest in the seat. 

He said that a new representative would bring "different experiences, fresh perspective, renewed energy and contacts with different parts of the community." 

Clarke says he's endorsing democrat Leigh Altman, an activist from Dilworth.

Democrat Mark Jerrell also plans on running for the seat. Most recently he managed Justin Harlow's campaign for Charlotte City Council.