AIKEN --- J. Strom Thurmond Jr., the former U.S. attorney for South Carolina and eldest son of the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, will seek the 2nd Judicial Circuit solicitor's seat in the fall, he said Thursday.

Solicitor Barbara Morgan announced Wednesday she would not seek re-election after serving Aiken, Bamberg and Barnwell counties for 18 years.

Mr. Thurmond, who is in private practice in Aiken, said he expressed interest in the position to Ms. Morgan and looked forward to the possibility to fill her shoes.

"It's an incredibly important job, one of the highest callings of the legal profession," he said. "The solicitor impacts the safety and security of the community and I would be honored to serve."

From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Thurmond served as assistant solicitor under Ms. Morgan.

In 2001, Mr. Thurmond was appointed as South Carolina's U.S. attorney and served in that position until 2005.

By announcing her intentions now, Ms. Morgan said it would make for an easier transition for her staff.

Her term does not expire for another year, but her name has been reportedly kicked around as a possible U.S. attorney, which she said she'd give serious consideration if chosen.

According to the Aiken County Voting and Registration Office, the solicitor position will be on the primary ballot in June and on the general election ballot in November.

Filing to run for the seat begins at noon March 17 and ends March 31.

Reach Julia Sellers at (803) 648-1395, ext. 106 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com.