Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge Mark McCauley has announced that he plans to retire at the end of the year after more than 20 years on the bench.

In a letter to Gov. Jay Inslee dated July 28, McCauley said his retirement would take effect at the end of the December. He wrote to the governor, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Grays Harbor County and the State of Washington.”

A post by Gov. Inslee on his web site dated Aug. 10 said he was looking for qualified members of the State Bar Association to submit applications to fill McCauley’s spot on the bench. Applications are due to the governor’s office by Sept. 15.

“We are currently collecting applications and will schedule interviews with our interim legal counsel, Tip Wonhoff,” said Tara Lee, Gov. Inslee’s deputy communications director. “He will then determine which candidates to bring forward to the governor.” The governor has the authority to appoint a Superior Court judge to fill a vacancy when a judge leaves the bench during their four-year term. The appointment lasts until the next election, in this case 2020, when the appointee can file as a candidate to retain the seat.