Scholz met with family and friends at "Out to Lunch" in Quincy where he made his formal announcement to run for the upcoming Eighth Judicial Circuit judge vacancy.

Judge Mark Schuering plans to retire next year.

Scholz is seeking the Democratic nomination in the February 2nd primary.

The 52-year-old has been a practicing attorney in Quincy for 22 years.

Today, Scholz talked about his family, experience, outlook, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.

"I want to serve the people of not only Adams County, but the entire 8th judicial circuit. I want to bring efficiency and fairness to the judicial process," said Scholz.

The Eighth Judicial Circuit is comprised of eight counties in west central Illinois -- Adams, Brown, Pike, Schuyler, Calhoun, Cass, Mason and Menard.

The circuit has 10 circuit judges and five associate judges.