After nearly 20 years in office, the only Democrat holding an elected position at the Butler County Courthouse will not file for re-election.
Associate Circuit Judge John Bloodworth confirmed this morning he will not seeking a sixth term.
Filing will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday for the Aug. 7 primary election of county, legislative and judicial positions. Filing ends at 5 p.m. March 27.
Winners of the primary election will move on to the Nov. 6 general election.
At the county level, voters will select presiding commissioner, prosecutor, associate circuit judges, county and circuit court clerks, recorder of deeds, treasurer and collector.
State races will be held for U.S. Senate, eight U.S. representatives, state auditor, 17 even numbered state senate districts, 163 state representatives and various judges.
Bloodworth said his decision was made with mixed emotions.
"This is my 20th year. I love it. I always have loved it. It's been an extremely rewarding, fulfilling career," said Bloodworth, who's last day will be Dec. 31.
Bloodworth said retiring from the bench will offer time for other pursuits, including teaching and travel.
Treasurer Joe Humphrey also is not seeking re-election and will end nearly 28 years at the courthouse Dec. 31. Humphrey previously served as presiding commissioner and prior to that, was in charge of a project to replace courthouse windows.
Associate Circuit Judge John Shock will seek re-election, as will Presiding Commissioner Vince Lampe, both of whom are finishing their first terms.
County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall is seeking a fourth term and Recorder of Deeds Debby Lundstrom a sixth term.
Prosecutor Kevin Barbour, Circuit Clerk Cindi Bowman and Collector Emily Clark-Parks were not available as of press time.
Butler County candidates can file at the county clerk's office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 5 p.m. on the final day of filing.
County, judicial and state senate races carry four-year terms. U.S. and state representative contests are for two-year terms.