Steven R. Bordner, associate judge of the 9th Circuit, announced today that he is seeking election for the 9th Judicial Circuit seat held by retiring Judge Stephen C. Mathers.

Bordner has served as an associate judge since 1995. He is a 1977 graduate of Illinois College in Jacksonville and a 1980 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Law.

"I am honored to have served as an associate judge for over 14 years in all six counties of the 9th Circuit," Bordner said. "During that time I have sent dozens of our worst criminals to prison and many more to jail, making our communities safer."

The 9th Judicial Circuit is comprised of Hancock, McDonough, Henderson, Knox, Fulton and Warren counties. The primary election will be held on Feb. 2, followed by a general election on Nov. 2.

Bordner served as the administrative judge of Fulton County for eight years and as chairman of the jury trial procedures committee of the 9th Judicial Circuit.

Prior to becoming a judge, Bordner practiced law in the firm of Collins & amp; Bordner in Lewistown for more than 15 years. He also served for four years as a special assistant attorney general for the state of Illinois.