RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The leader of North Carolina's state House Democrats said on Friday he won't seek reelection to the post for the upcoming session.

Wake County Rep. Darren Jackson has served as minority leader for the past four years. But he said disappointing election results in his chamber for the Democrats and life changes contributed to his decision to step aside.

Democrats had hopes of taking back a majority in the House for the first time since 2010. Instead of gaining the six additional seats needed, Democrats lost a few additonal seats overall.

“There’s going to be a push in my caucus for changes, and I can and do understand that,” Jackson said in an interview. The 50-year-old attorney also mentioned that he's going to be a grandfather for the first time.

In a separate interview last week, Jackson wasn't ready to reveal his future plans. Jackson said he told a few people Thursday about his decision, first reported by WRAL-TV.

The House Democrats elected this month will meet to choose a new slate of leaders for the two-year session beginning in January. Current House Democratic Caucus deputy leader Robert Reives of Chatham County told WRAL he'll be a candidate for minority leader.