CHEYENNE (WNE) — Gov. Mark Gordon’s office announced Saturday morning that he has appointed Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan to be a district court judge for the 8th Judicial District, serving Goshen County. That has been his home county.

Buchanan plans to remain in office for now “to fulfill his forthcoming duties and ensure a smooth transition before taking the bench,” according to a news release from the governor’s office.

No timeline for him to assume the judgeship has been determined at this point, the governor’s spokesman, Michael Pearlman, wrote in an email to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

The appointment was widely expected after Buchanan first announced he would seek a second term as secretary of state, then changed his mind when Judge Patrick W. Korrell announced his retirement.

“Goshen County is once again fortunate to have had outstanding candidates for this judgeship,” Gordon said in the release. “Ed has served the state admirably and honorably as secretary for more than four years. His extensive legal background, his compassion for those in his community, and his passion for the law and our justice system will serve him well as a district court judge in this next chapter of his public service career.”

“I am honored and humbled to receive this appointment from Governor Gordon,” Buchanan said in Saturday’s release. “I look forward to serving the citizens of the Eighth Judicial District and will work diligently to uphold the high standards of the judiciary.

“I would like to assure our citizens that I am committed to fulfilling my duties prior to assuming the bench, both to ensure a smooth-hand secure election cycle and to finalize the many projects integral to the office,” Buchanan said.