Bob Etheridge

RALEIGH -- Former Congressman Bob Etheridge said Thursday night he will run for governor in the Democratic primary in May.

His announcement comes after former UNC system president Erskine Bowles said he would not run. Etheridge joins Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and Rep. Bill Faison in the primary.

In a statement, Etheridge writes "This election is about leadership. It’s about moving forward -- not moving backward."

Etheridge lost his congressional seat to Republican Renee Ellmers in the 2010 election. He's also served in the state legislature and as superintendent of public instruction.

His full statement follows:

After considerable thought and a whole lot of encouragement, I am announcing today, my candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for Governor.

My life’s work has been about improving the public education system in North Carolina. As we move forward, we must ensure we are making the key investments in public education, community colleges and the university system.

This election is about leadership. It’s about moving forward - not moving backward.

I will be talking about our future and our commitment to move North Carolina forward. If we want a 21st century economy, we must have 21st Century schools.