Today, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Jim Gunter announced that he will not seek re-election to the Court next year, choosing instead to retire.

"It has been my highest honor to be selected by the people of Arkansas to serve in this capacity," Gunter said. "Serving on the Arkansas Supreme Court is a huge responsibility. I believe strongly in our Constitution and in a government by the people, for the people."

Gunter is from Hope. He has served only one term on the Court, occupying Position 4 since being elected in 2004. He is a veteran attorney who had served as a chancery and circuit judge in the Eighth Circuit (Hempstead and Nevada Counties) prior to his service on the Supreme Court. He is also a former president of the Arkansas Judicial Council.

Gunter cited his grandchildren and his farm as reasons for retiring from the Court. His retirement has been long expected, and several potential candidates have been preparing to run. At least of them, Court of Appeals Judge Raymond Abramson, will announce his candidacy next week.