Judge Henry Baker, Probate Judge and Chief Magistrate of Newton County announced he will retire and not run for re-election in 2016 Friday.

Baker’s retirement will be effective Dec. 31, finishing a distinguished career. Baker has served as probate judge since Jan. 1, 1977 and chief magistrate since July 1, 1983.

In order to qualify to run for the office of probate judge since Newton County has a population exceeding 90,000 people, a candidate must be an attorney with seven years of practicing law in Georgia, a county resident for two years, a registered voter and have no criminal convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude.

Candidates must qualify with the Democratic or Republican parties during the week of March 7.