A judge at the center of a text-message-related controversy in Centre County will not seek to remain on the bench in the upcoming election.

In a statement to the press, Centre County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bradley P. Lunsford said he will not seek re-election to the seat he has held for nearly 10 years, and plans to retire when his term ends starting January 2016.

The Pennsylvania Department of State also confirmed that Lunsford has withdrawn his bid for retention in the November election. Lunsford submitted written notice Sept. 3, the department said.