Mackey arrived at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections shortly after 11:30 a.m. and filed to run for the District 99 seat, which covers the University City area and a small part of Huntersville. There is one other Democrat running, Drew Saunders. The winner of the May 6 Democratic primary will take on Republican Dempsey Miller.

Mackey gave a short speech after filing, telling doubters he’s not just interested in any position in politics -- he’s sincere about running and becoming a public servant.

"Only in America can a person who has been vetted and tried like me pursue a continued desire for public service," he said.

Mackey said he’s moving on and he wants to be part of the healing process for the Democratic Party.

"I am looking to the future. I am looking to participate in the community's healing. I pledge to you that I will work hard to earn your vote and to be a representative that you will be proud of," he said.

He said as a lawmaker he wants to fix problems, foremost foreclosures and health care. He would not answer questions, but said he plans to hold a news conference soon.

Mackey was voted sheriff in a special election by the Democratic Party in December after the former sheriff, Jim Pendergraph, retired. The North Carolina Democratic Party Council of Review determined last month that rules were not followed so the election was ruled invalid. The Mecklenburg County Commission named Chipp Bailey as sheriff the next week.

Some voters said they still have doubts about Mackey’s integrity.

"I think it will be difficult (to trust Mackey) from the standpoint of all the unanswered questions that came up during his candidacy for the sheriff's office," said voter Bernard McGraw.

But others said they’re behind him already.

"He's running in a different race for a different position, and I think he can hold his own,” said voter Robin Bradford. “He has my support."

Filing Period Closes With A Few Surprises

The filing period for candidates closed at noon Friday at the State Board of Elections and county election offices across North Carolina. This year's ballot includes races from president and governor, on down to the seats in the Legislature and on county commissions.

Noticeably missing from Mecklenburg County filings was County Commissioner Parks Helms. He decided not to seek re-election after serving eight terms on the board.

Also, seven Mecklenburg County Democrats who may have thought they were going to run unopposed got competition when seven Republicans filed for office just before the noon deadline.

Two are running for State Senate. Vince Coscia is running against Dan Clodfelter in District 37. James Soder is running against Charlie Dannelly in District 38.

Five Republicans are running for State House. Dempsey Miller is running against Drew Saunders and Nick Mackey in District 99. Beth Marlin is running against Beverly Earle in District 101. Greg Hill is running against Becky Carney in District 102. Joe Turner is running against Martha Alexander in District 106. Gary Hardee is running against Pete Cunningham in District 107.

The head of the county GOP, Lee Teague, said his side sat out too many elections in the past. He said, "Everyone deserves a choice in this county. Every voter deserves a choice is who their state representative is going to be."

LINK: Complete Mecklenburg County Candidate ListLINK: Look Up What District You Are InSPECIAL SECTION: Take A Look Back At The Controversy Over The Sheriff’s Office