The Monroe County Republican Committee officially announced its candidate for Monroe County Court judge on Friday.

County Republican Chair Bill Reilich officially endorsed Paul Irving for judge.

Irving worked for the Monroe County District's Attorneys' Office for almost 20 years. He's served as Chief of the Gun Bureau and Chief of the Arson Bureau.

He now works as a juvenile prosecutor for the Monroe County Law Department, and also represents the Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of neglected and abused children.

Irving says his experience handling hundreds of violent crimes would make him an ideal candidate for Monroe County Court Judge.

"A prosecutor's job isn't just to convict people; it's to promote justice," Irving said. "Whether it be, yes somebody was guilty and they deserve a break, or if they're guilty do they go to jail, remove them from the community, and what's in the best interest of the community as a whole and the defendant and for the victim of the crime, and as a judge I would strive to do that, everyday, every case I handled."

The seat opened up when Frank Geraci moved on to a federal judgeship.

The Monroe County Democratic Committee has not named a candidate for the race.