Charlotte mayor Anthony Foxx is exploring a possible candidacy for governor, but political experts told Eyewitness News it would be tough for him to succeed in a statewide race.

Thursday, Foxx said he's discussing the decision with his family and friends.

If he decides to run, voter Shannon Kee said he'd be doing a disservice to the city, given the region's 10 percent unemployment rate.

"I think Mayor Foxx is doing a great job in Charlotte and should stay right here in Charlotte. I don't think he's done doing what he has to do here yet," Kee said.

But other voters said even if Foxx decides he wants to serve the entire state, it reflects positively on the Queen City.

"The bigger, the better. If he's going to do big things, he's still representing Charlotte," said voter Kelly Norris. "He came from Charlotte, he's a Charlotte resident, he's representing us still, no matter what he does."

Political science professor Joseph Ellis says name recognition would be a big problem for Foxx.

"You're going from a mayoral race, where you're the voice, the candidate of a city, to the governor of North Carolina," Ellis said.

But the Wingate University professor said the spotlight of the DNC in September would help Foxx's electability.

"Anthony Foxx certainly has that sort of wow factor that you can promote. You can promote that almost nationally," Ellis said.

The last three Charlotte mayors, including Republican hopeful Pat McCrory, lost their bids for statewide office.

Mayor Foxx has $356,000 left over from his mayoral race that he could use in a run for governor.