Just after 7 o'clock tonight, Lubbock lawyer David Nelson announced he has withdrawn from Republican primary for Lubbock County Court At Law Number 1.

In his statement announcing the withdrawal, Nelson said, "Unfortunately, because of the uncertainty of a primary election date this year, it has become almost impossible to schedule my trial obligations as well as campaign commitments for this Judicial race. Most attorneys with a busy litigation practice cannot run a contested political campaign and serve well their clients for what may prove to be more than a six month primary period. I cannot risk the best interests of my clients - which are ethically paramount - and my firm’s law practice by running for this Judgeship at this time."

Judge Mark Hocker is currently holding the County Court At Law No. 1 position, after being appointed following the death of Judge Rusty Ladd.

Nelson also praised Judge Hocker, "Like me, the sitting Judge of this Court has been a prosecutor, a defense lawyer and an attorney engaged in civil trial matters. That experience gives him a perspective that should serve him well as Judge and should well serve the litigants and their attorneys in this court. He has the potential to be a good Judge, and I wish him the best as Judge of County Court At Law No. One. The citizens of Lubbock expect nothing less.”

Judge Hocker, Scott Morris and Douglas Freitag will all run in the GOP Primary to fill the unexpired term for Lubbock County Court At Law Number 1.

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