VALLEY — State Representative Isaac Whorton has announced he will run for Circuit Judge Place 2 in the 5th Judicial Circuit in the 2018 Republican Primary. The 5th Judicial Circuit covers Chambers, Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa Counties.

Whorton, who was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, said being a judge has always been a dream of his.

“This has always been the trajectory,” he said. “I wanted to be a member of the [state] House with the plan of eventually running to be a judge.”

After being elected in 2014, Whorton said he has worked hard to serve his constituents and bring transparency and accountability to Montgomery.

“I have consistently fought against fiscally irresponsible proposals, numerous proposed tax increases, and the corruption in Montgomery,” he said.

The move to run for the judgeship, instead of running a reelection campaign for his current position, was a surprise to everyone. The position is available due to the retirement of Judge Tom Young.

“It’s an opportunity that doesn’t come open very often,” he said, noting that despite running for a different position he wouldn’t let his current duties slide to the wayside. “I will fulfil my commitment to my constituents and finish the term I was elected to in the state legislature, while running for the position of Circuit Judge in 2018.”

Becoming a judge has always been a part of Whorton’s overall “plan” for his life.

He started practicing law in 2006 and spent the next four years on his own, handling a variety of cases, from minor infractions to major crimes.

This assortment of cases is one of the reasons Whorton feels he would be a good choice for judge.

He also admitted that he enjoyed the impartiality being a judge provides.

“You’re the gatekeeper,” he said. “You have to be fair and impartial. What I love about it is you’re doing the right thing and being non-partisan.”

Whorton noted that in his opinion partisanship has caused many problems in recent years.

“Everyone, both Republican and Democrat, has good ideas,” he said.

Representative Whorton lives with his wife Macy and his three children in Valley, Ala., where he practices law. The Republican Primary for Circuit Judge Place 2, 5th Judicial Circuit will be held on June 5, 2018.