Former Democratic prosecutor Ken Hodges said Wednesday he'll run for an open seat on the Georgia Court of Appeals next year with the support from an influential Republican.
With his bid to join the state's second-highest court, Hodges is passing on a second bid for Georgia attorney general. He unsuccessfully ran against Republican Sam Olens in 2010.
Hodges was considered a potential Democratic contender to challenge Republican Chris Carr, who was appointed Georgia's top lawyer in November after Olens took the presidency of Kennesaw State University. Other possible Democratic candidates include former Georgia congressman John Barrow and state Rep. Stacey Evans, who is also considering a gubernatorial bid.
Hodges, the former Dougherty district attorney, signed on former U.S. senator Saxby Chambliss to chair his campaign. His campaign treasurer is Edward Johnson, the court's former chief judge.
In a statement announcing his candidacy, Hodges said he'll bring an impartial approach to the bench.
“The people of Georgia deserve fair judges who bring a diverse and broad range experience to the bench,” said Hodges. “That’s exactly what I’ve done throughout my legal career representing Georgia families and businesses, and that’s exactly why I’m running to serve on the Georgia Court of Appeals.”
Gov. Nathan Deal pushed an expansion of the court from 12 to 15 judges, and lawmakers gave the court new jurisdiction.
About the Author
