Adams County Judge Hudson won’t seek re-election

NATCHEZ, Miss. (AP) - Adams County Court Judge John Hudson won’t seek re-election this fall.

After 31 years on the bench, Hudson says he wants to pursue another opportunity.

However, he told The Natchez Democrat (https://bit.ly/1kUHbWE ) he is not at liberty to discuss his plans.

He said the timing of the election qualification period - which ends Friday - forced him to announce his decision not to run so the local bar had the opportunity to know and qualify for the position.

Hudson said he will stay on the bench through the end of his term.

“Whoever it is gets elected, I pledge to do whatever I can do to help them in the job and to get to know the people who are here and keep things running,” he said.

Only 19 counties in Mississippi have county courts, which were created by the Legislature to reduce the workload of circuit and chancery courts. The county court hears matters of eminent domain, unlawful entry and detainer, partition of personal property and youth court.

The county court judge also hears non-capital felony criminal cases the circuit court transfers.

Hudson became judge in 1983. He had practiced law for eight years prior to taking the bench

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Information from: The Natchez Democrat, https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/