Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice To Leave

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson says he plans to resign effective Oct. 1.

The first black member of the Texas Supreme Court told The Texas Lawbook on Monday that finances partly led to his decision. Jefferson has one child in college in two more in high school.

Jefferson earns $170,000 annually including the latest raise approved by the Legislature.

Jefferson says he looking forward to some new challenges. The 50-year-old jurist didn't elaborate.

Jefferson says he informed Gov. Rick Perry of his plans last week. Perry in 2001 named Jefferson to the high court and selected him as chief justice in 2004. Jefferson's current term runs through 2014.

Messages left Tuesday with Perry's office and officials with the Texas Supreme Court weren't immediately returned.

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Online:

http://www.supreme.courts.state.tx.us/court/justice_wjefferson.asp