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Nye County District Attorney Bob Beckett announced Thursday morning he will run for Department I Fifth District Court judge.

The district attorney said he arrived at the decision "after a lot of thought and long discussions with my family."

Beckett is the first to put his name on the ballot for the November election, for which the filing period ends Friday, Jan. 18. The Pahrump position is held by John P. Davis.

"I believe a judge should dispose of all judicial matters promptly, efficiently, and fairly," Beckett said. "If elected, I plan to take whatever steps are necessary to improve the legal process."

During his 20-year law career Beckett has worked as both a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor -- experience he said has helped him to maintain a balanced point of view.

"Over the past 13 years I believe I've established a record of being firm but fair," Beckett said. "It's always been my practice to uphold the law regardless of my personal views."

Beckett, who is involved with various community organizations including the Lions Club and the Masons, said his work as the county's district attorney has been a welcome opportunity to help people. "I believe it allows me to oftentimes help people in difficult circumstances," Beckett said. "The duty of a district attorney isn't just to prosecute but to seek justice and help the community."

The prospect of becoming a judge is more than a career move to Beckett.

"On a personal level, this is especially important to me since I live here with my wife and four daughters," Beckett said. "As a husband and a father I want this community to be not only safe but a harmonious place to live."

Beckett grew up in Las Vegas and graduated with honors from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

He earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University and after several years of being a criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas came to Pahrump, where his career as a prosecutor in both criminal and civil law cases began.

He was first elected district attorney in 1995.