LONDON, Ky. (AP) -- State Sen. Tom Jensen is planning to drop his bid for re-election.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Tuesday the London Republican would run instead for circuit judge in Laurel and Knox counties.

Jensen, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is unopposed for re-election. He served in the House from 1989 through 1996 and the Senate since 2005.

Jensen told the newspaper that he had planned to run later for a term as circuit judge, but the seat came open this month with the unexpected resignation of Judge John Knox Mills.

Jensen said he plans to file this week or early next week to run for the remaining two years of Mills' term.