Clarion Ledger reporting that former Chief Justice Waller to join race for Governor’s seat as a Republican

Former Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. will run for Governor, sources close to his campaign have told the Clarion-Ledger.

Waller Jr. served on the State Supreme court for 22 years, 10 of those as Chief Justice before his retirement at the end of January.

He is the son of former Mississippi Governor William Waller, who served as a Democratic governor from 1972-1976.

What made Waller Jr.’s retirement pique interest when it occurred was the timing of it compared to that of the qualifying deadline for Mississippi elections, which is March 1.  Waller had been rumored through different outlets, on multiple occasions to have interest in higher office.

Originally, after retiring, Waller had said he planned to become a senior status judge and remain active in Access to Justice and other administration of justice endeavors. He had also said he’d like to teach as an adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law and Mississippi College School of Law. He previously taught pretrial practice at both law schools.