MerrickThomasSmallJamestown (CSi) Southeast District Court Judge Thomas Merrick will not seek re-election this year, retiring at the end of his term in December.

Merrick says he sent his notice to the North Dakota Supreme Court on December 31, 2015 indicating he would not seek re-election. He was appointed by then-Gov. John Hoeven in 2009 to fill the newly-created judgeship, then was elected to the seat in 2012.

In his notice to the Supreme Court, Merrick wrote that he was proud to have been a part of the judicial branch of the state government.

Merrick’s district covers 11 counties in southeastern North Dakota and includes the cities of Jamestown, Valley City and Wahpeton. Merrick is based in Jamestown.

The 65-year-old Merrick is a native of Indiana. He was an Air Force captain and his final posting was at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. He graduated from the University of North Dakota law school in 1983 and went on to practice law in Jamestown.

The North Dakot Supreme Court will now determine if Merrick’s judgeship, Southeast District No. 7, will remain in Jamestown.

In a notice on the state Supreme Court’s website dated Monday, the court has to, within 90 days of receiving a notice to not seek re-election, determine whether the office is necessary for effective judicial administration.

The Supreme Court is seeking written consultation from attorneys and judges within the Southeast District jurisdiction. The public may also submit written comments through Feb. 4. Written comments may be emailed to Penny Miller, clerk of the Supreme Court, at supclerkofcourt@ndcourts.gov or mailed to Miller at 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0530.

When the Supreme Court has these reports and all written documentation concerning the vacancy of the Southeast District Court District No. 7 judgeship, the Supreme Court will make a decision and file a written order.