RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory says he’ll run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina in hopes of succeeding the retiring Sen. Richard Burr.

The one-term governor revealed his plans Wednesday on his Charlotte-area radio show. McCrory is currently the most well-known candidate to have entered the contest. Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker is already in the race for the GOP nomination.

“Conservatives must hold this seat in 2022 to prevent Kamala Harris and Chuck Schumer from enacting radical liberal policies.  I look forward to doing just that,” he said.

Democrats have targeted Burr’s seat as a prime pickup opportunity to expand their razor-thin Senate edge.

“The U.S. Senate is split right down the middle…that puts Vice President Kamala Harris in charge, giving Democrats everything they want to radically change America for generations to come.  It’s time to join together and take back the Senate from Kamala Harris.  So I’m in,” he said.

McCrory was elected as North Carolina's governor in 2012 and served four years in office. He was also Charlotte's mayor for 14 years.