Veteran Placer County prosecutor Garen Horst announced his candidacy to replace Superior Court Judge Joseph O'Flaherty.
Meanwhile, Superior Court Judge Robert P. McElhany could be facing a race to hold onto his seat on the bench.
Earlier this week, O'Flaherty - who was up for reelection in June - announced that he would not be seeking a fifth six-year term. O'Flaherty, who has been twice sanctioned, said he is supporting Horst.
Horst has spent 18 years as a county prosecutor and has twice been named "Prosecutor of the Year."
Before O'Flaherty made his intentions public, Horst snapped up endorsements from Sheriff Ed Bonner, District Attorney Scott Owens, former District Attorney Brad Fenocchio, and the Deputy District Attorneys Association of Placer County.
Horst's announcement that he was running came the same day O'Flaherty announced he would not be running.
No other candidates have taken out the paperwork to run for O'Flaherty's seat.
In the race for McElhany's judicial seat, Placer County prosecutor Susanne Gazzaniga has pulled the paperwork needed to run and has a website announcing her candidacy.
The website lists the endorsements of Placer County Superior Court Presiding Judge Alan Pineschi, Sheriff Bonner, and District Attorney Owens.
Judges Pineschi and Frances Kearney do not have any identified opposition.
The filing period begins Feb. 13. It ends March 9, but would be extended to March 14 for any race in which an incumbent opts not to run.
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