The 15^th Circuit Court District is among several districts in the state of Mississippi getting a new circuit judge position.

Recently, the Mississippi legislature passed House Bill 703, written by District 74 State Sen. Mark Baker, R, which opens another judge position in several districts, including the 15^th Circuit Court District serving Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion and Pearl River County, Pearl River County Circuit Clerk Vickie Hariel said.

Currently, Fifteenth District Court Judges Prentiss Harrell and Anthony Mozingo preside over the district. Candidates interested in vying for the third position will have until Monday, June 1 at 5 p.m. to qualify. A qualifying statement of intent and affidavit of judicial office must be filed by the deadline, along with a qualifying fee of $100, said Pamela Weaver, Director of Communications at the Office of the Mississippi Secretary of State. Both forms can be found on the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website.

Ballots for this seat will be cast as part of the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 3. The new judge will take office in January of 2016, Weaver said.

Candidates vying for the open position must be a resident of Pearl River County and a licensed attorney, according to the house bill.

As of now, Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald is the only candidate running for the position, according to the Office of the Secretary of State in Mississippi.