State Rep. Willie Perkins has announced his intentions to run for chancery judge.
The longtime Democratic lawmaker from Greenwood told those gathered at the Greenwood Voters League meeting Wednesday that he has qualified to seek the seat held by Jon M. Barnwell since 1989.
The Greenwood judge’s clerk, Kathryn Renik, this morning confirmed that the incumbent “has known for months that he is not going to run and has not qualified” to run in November’s race in the Seventh Chancery District.
“Judge Barnwell said to pass on his wishes of good luck to those who are going to run,” Renik said.
Barnwell was on the road headed to court earlier today.
The Seventh Chancery District covers Leflore, Tallahatchie, Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman and Tunica counties. It is overseen by three chancellors. The other two incumbents, Catherine Ferris-Carter of Cleveland and W.M. Sanders of Greenwood, are seeking re-election.
Candidates for chancery judge have until Friday to qualify in the nonpartisan elections that will be held Nov. 6.
According to the Secretary of State’s website, two other attorneys have also qualified for the seat Barnwell is vacating: Katherine Tackett Mills of Greenwood and Richard W. Ryals II of Tunica.
Should he be elected as chancellor, Perkins would have to relinquish the seat he has held in the state House since 1993.
Chancery court adjudicates cases of divorce, alimony, child custody and support; contract matters including mortgages, liens, property rights and cases of fraud or mistake; matters related to persons of unsound minds and other non-criminal matters.
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
