CHARLOTTE, NC - People are lining up for a chance to run for Rep. Sue Myrick's congressional seat. 

A powerful force in local politics for decades, she's retiring at the end of her term. The ninth district has been a Republican stronghold. But without Myrick, that could change.

"Thanks for the trust you've placed in us all these years," said Rep. Sue Myrick, as she announced her retirement on YouTube.

With the nine-term congresswoman stepping down, there's a political scramble to follow Myrick on Capitol Hill.

Mecklenburg County Republican Party Chair Gideon Moore wasn't surprise to hear County Commissioner Jim Pendergraph already plans to run, possibly getting Myrick's support."I think if she endorses him, that would be a huge win for him," said Moore. "Obviously he is a strong candidate, being able to win county wide."

But some see Pendergraph - a former Democrat turned Republican - as a polarizing politician, especially on immigration issues.

"The Democrats don't leave this seat uncontested," said Charlotte City Councilman Andy Dulin (R).

His council district overlaps Myrick's congressional one. If he runs, Dulin says he'll be as accessible as he is now.

"And it would be pretty neat to go to Washington as a Congressman and give out my cell phone number on my business cards," said Dulin.

Other possible candidates include former Republican State Senator Robert Pittenger and current GOP State Rep. Ruth Samuelson.

On the Democratic side, the possible candidates include Charlotte City Councilman Patrick Cannon, County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts and Jeff Doctor, who ran against Myrick in 2010.

"I think that we have some conservative Democrats," said Mecklenburg County Democratic Party Chair Aisha Dew, describing voters living in Myrick's district. "I think we have Democrats that can appeal to people across the board."

The ninth congressional district leans Republican. Sue Myrick won it last time by 2-1. But with the Democratic National Convention coming to town, Democrats think it's up for grabs.

"We will have more boots on the ground in Mecklenburg County then we've ever had before," said Democratic strategist Tom Chumley.

If Chumley's party wins in the November, it will be thanks in part to the Republican General Assembly in charge of redistricting.

"It would not have been winnable under the old map," said Chumley, "but with the new map they've included a ton of Democrats."