No doubt state Rep. Marcus Brandon was included in the large group showing interest in Rep. Mel Watt’s 12th Congressional seat, should Watt become the regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
But Brandon tells the High Point Enterprise he will form an exploratory committee to look into a possible run:
“I’ve always wanted to do it. And these opportunities only pop up every now and then,” Brandon said about running for Congress.
Brandon said he believes that the work he’s done at the N.C. General Assembly during the last three years has prepared him to serve in Congress.
If Watt did resign to join the Obama administration, state election law requires that a special election be held in the heavily Democratic-leaning district to pick someone to fill out Watt’s term through November 2014. First elected in 1992, Watt is the only representative to have served in the 12th District.
Because it would be a special election, Brandon wouldn’t have to relinquish his 60th State House District seat to run for Congress. If Brandon didn’t win the congressional special election, he could continue to serve in the General Assembly.
Should Watt be confirmed as FHFA director, he will immediately be on the hot seat.