Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx is taking his name off the list of potential Democratic candidates for governor. 

Some Democrats, especially younger party activists, were hoping Foxx would enter the race. He's a rising star in the party, and has connections to the White House via David Axelrod.

But Foxx said today he'll give 2012 a pass. His statement: 

“Over the past few days I have given serious consideration to a run for Governor of North Carolina. Given the unusual circumstances and short time, such a run would have required more focus on a statewide campaign than on my young family and many local issues of importance to me and so many Charlotte residents. Therefore, I have decided to forgo a statewide race this election cycle, and will continue my efforts to build a brighter future for our city.”

On Monday, Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines announced on Twitter that, after consideration, he too had decided not to run.