RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Seven candidates from both parties are campaigning to become North Carolina’s next lieutenant governor, a post that largely serves to identify a successor if a governor leaves office.

As Democratic Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton seeks his party’s nomination for governor, two Democrats are facing off for the post: Former state personnel director Linda Coleman of Knightdale and state Sen. Eric Mansfield of Fayetteville.

The GOP primary includes Dale Folwell of Winston-Salem, the second-ranking Republican in the state House. Architect Dan Forest of Raleigh is the son of retiring Congresswoman Sue Myrick.

Grey Mills is a Mooresville attorney and two-term state House member. Pharmacist Tony Gurley has been a Wake County commissioner for a decade. Arthur Rich is a Bladen County tax accountant.

The primary is May 8.

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