Tim Mims, newly re-elected chairman of the Chilton County Commission, said he changed his mind about running for county probate judge when he found out Bobby Martin was running for re-election as a Republican.

“Bobby Martin has been a wonderful probate judge,” Mims said. “He goes beyond the call of duty.”

Martin, longtime president of the Chilton County Democratic Party, formally announced he was switching to the Republican Party at a qualifying rally Tuesday.

Mims said he also feels like there are more things to accomplish in his current role.

“We have got a good commission,” he said. “I can’t brag enough about them. We work together and watch our money. We’ve had to. We’ve had to make some deep cuts in a lot of departments. I hated to do it.”

Mims said he is especially proud of the fact that the county hasn’t had to borrow money to finish out its fiscal year since he’s been chairman, since 2008, despite a decrease in revenue.

Mims was first elected to the commission as a Democrat, and then this past election switched to Independent before joining the Republican Party.

The local party’s executive committee voted unanimously to support Mims.

“I feel wonderful about it,” he said. “I’m where I need to be. I’m just more in line with the Republican Party than the Democrat Party.”