NATCHEZ — After 24 years as Circuit Judge, Forrest “Al” Johnson will hang up his black robe.

With a May 11 qualifying date looming, Johnson announced Monday he would not seek reelection for a seventh term. The longtime Senior Sixth Circuit Court Judge said after much discernment, he came to the reality Monday that his sixth term would be his last.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve six terms as Senior Circuit Judge of the (Sixth) Circuit Court District consisting of Adams, Amite, Franklin and Wilkinson Counties,” Johnson said in a statement. “I sincerely thank the voters for the opportunity to serve in this position.

“I also thank my wife and our family for all their support. I will never forget it.”

Johnson will serve out the remainder of this term before his replacement is decided by a Nov. 6 election.

“I will continue to work full-time throughout the remainder of this year and try to leave my successor with as clean a docket as I can,” Johnson said.