Criminal Court Judge Doug Meyer said he does not plan to run when he comes up for re-election in 2006.
"I definitely am not running," Judge Meyer said Friday.
He said he wanted his decision known early so that others can make plans to get in the race.
Among those mentioned as possibilities on the Republican side are District Attorney Bill Cox or his top assistant, Barry Steelman.
Rodney Strong, an assistant in the district attorney's office, said he is strongly considering running as a Democrat. He has been a prosecutor in the Meyer courtroom for the past six years.
Another possibility mentioned is General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon.
Judge Meyer is in Division I - the judgeship formerly held by Campbell Carden.