ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A former Buncombe County commissioner and state treasurer candidate may have the inside track to become North Carolina’s next Democratic Party chairman.

David Young announced his bid Thursday in an e-mail. Young said he’s received the endorsements of Gov. Beverly Perdue and departing chairman Jerry Meek. The state party’s executive committee will elect Meek’s successor Jan. 31 in Raleigh.

A spokesman for Perdue didn’t immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Young also listed county party leaders, Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and State Treasurer Janet Cowell – who defeated Young in last May’s Democratic primary – among supporters.

Other announced candidates include vice chairwoman Dannie Montgomery, 11th Congressional District Chairman Luke Hyde and former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Neal.