Getty Images/iStockphotoSandy Lowery, the widow of Catoosa County Probate Judge Gene Lowery, will seek her late husband's judgeship.
The couple, who were married 30 years and have two children and a grandchild, discussed the matter before he died, she said, and he wanted her to run.
"He had faith in me, that I could do his job and continue his legacy," Lowery said Thursday. "He loved his county, and he loved working for people in the county, and I do, too."
Lowery died April 16 after a battle with skin cancer.
The Catoosa County Probate Court handles matters such as traffic tickets, gun permits, wills and marriages.
Lowery said she has worked for the past 15 years in the Catoosa County court system, including for the clerk of the Superior Court, where she's now employed, and the county juvenile court system.
Lowery also worked for the county tax commissioner's office and the county commissioners' office, she said.
Lowery will run as a Republican.
The special election to fill the probate court judge seat will be held Nov. 4, the same date as the general election.
The qualifying fee is $1,895 for candidates desiring to run, and the qualifying period is June 23-27.
Fort Oglethorpe attorney Robert Stultz, who was appointed as probate judge after Lowery died, said he won't run against Sandy Lowery.
"Absolutely not," Stultz said. "I have an active legal practice. I don't want a permanent full-time judgeship now."
Contact staff writer Tim Omarzu at tomarzu@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6651.