Escambia circuit judge says he won't seek third term in 2018
Rice
Qualifying for the 2018 election cycle in Alabama began Monday and one name will not be on the ballot after Escambia County Circuit Judge Bert Rice announced he will not seek re-election.
Rice, 68, sent a letter to members of the Escambia County Bar Association dated Jan. 4 announcing his decision.
"After much prayer and consideration with and for my family, I have decided to not seek re-election as circuit judge," Rice wrote to bar members. "I will conclude my present term in January, 2019. I am forever grateful that the Lord has allowed me this great privilege of being judge."
"I am also most appreciative that the members of the county bar have allowed me to serve and always be elected without opposition," Rice continued. "My intention is to retire under the 'active' status so that I may continue to be able to handle cases in the future."
The seat Rice holds will be on the ballot this year with the primary elections scheduled for June 5 and the General Election scheduled for Nov. 6.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Rice began practicing law in Atmore in the fall of 1974. In November, 1977, he was appointed as the first municipal judge for the city of Atmore.
This past November marked Rice's 40th anniversary presiding as a judge in Escambia County.
In 1986, while still serving as Atmore's municipal judge, Rice joined the district attorney's office as an assistant. He continued as an assistant district attorney for 18 years before being elected circuit judge in 2006 without opposition. Rice was re-elected in 2012 without opposition and is currently serving his second term.
"I've been serving as a judge for more than 40 years," Rice said. "At some point in time you need to spend more time with your family."
Rice said he will retire with an 'active' status and will be able to handle court cases when needed.
"The idea is not to just stop," Rice said. "I've been doing this for so long. I will continue to handle high-profile cases, just not a full court docket. It will be a transition for me."
Rice noted the court docket in Escambia County has more than doubled in the past 10-plus years.
Rice said it's been an honor and privilege to be able to serve for so many years and said he was grateful for the patience of his family.
"It's humbling to be here to hopefully make positive impacts on people's lives," Rice said.
2018 ballot
Qualifying for state offices runs from Jan. 8 through Feb. 9. In local races in Escambia County, Republicans can qualify during the same time frame. To qualify to run on the Republican ticket, candidates need to contact Jackie Gay at 251-809-4322.
Local Democratic candidates will be able to qualify from Jan. 26 through Feb. 9 by calling Mike Godwin at 251-867-7724.
Other state races on the 2018 ballot that affect Escambia County are the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate, whose seats are currently held by State Rep. Alan Baker and State Sen. Greg Albritton respectively.
Local races on the 2018 ballot will be probate judge, currently held by Doug Agerton; sheriff, currently held by Grover Smith, who has announced he will not see re-election; circuit clerk, currently held by John Robert Fountain; county commission districts 1, 3 and 5, currently held by David Stokes, Larry White and David Quarker, respectively; and school board districts 2, 3 and 7, currently held by Danny Benjamin, Mike Edwards and Coleman Wallace, respectively.
