Morristown attorney Aaron Chapman has suspended his campaign for Third Judicial Court Judge and is withdrawing from the appointment process to fill the seat in the interim.

In a release Wednesday afternoon, Chapman expressed his appreciation to those who supported his campaign.

Chapman had qualified to run in the August 6 primary for the Third Judicial District Court Judgeship to replace Judge William Erwin Phillips, II, of Rogersville, who was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section.

“I appreciate all of the support shown in my recent application and campaign for the Circuit Court vacancy in the Third District,” Chapman said. “As everyone involved in this matter can attest, the timelines for appointment to the vacancy and appearance on the August general election ballot were uniquely expedited, to say the least.

“Upon much reconsideration I have found that I simply cannot be in a position to accept a potential appointment to the vacancy, pause my active practice, take further immediate efforts to wind down my practice, and effectively campaign for the August 6 election.

“As I began to explore and plan for those efforts, I found that the process would need to move too quickly for the needs of my practice and with too much uncertainty to be in the best interests of my clients. It would not be fair to the Governor’s office and others interested in this vacancy for me to remain in consideration knowing these constraints,” Chapman said. “I am thus withdrawing from consideration and suspending this brief campaign.”

Chapman expressed his confidence in the remaining candidates for the Third District Judgeship, Mark Stapleton of Rogersville and Crystal Jessee, of Greeneville.

Both have qualified for the August 6 ballot. However, only Stapleton and Chapman had qualified to be considered by Lee to be appointed to the post on in interim basis until after the November general election.

The vetting process will move forward as planned but with only Stapleton available for the governor’s consideration.

 “I look forward to practicing in Stapleton’s court in the near future should Gov. Bill Lee follow through with appointing him to the position,” Chapman said. “He is highly qualified for this role, and I know that he will treat all litigants, witnesses, and court officers and personnel with utmost respect. I also know that Crystal Jessee, a talented and caring attorney, is (also) on the August 6 ballot for this position as well. I believe both remaining candidates and their supporters deserve respect and a right to be heard in this democratic process that we are blessed with.”

For his part, Stapleton said he understands and respects Chapman’s decision.

“Mr. Chapman and I have had an open and honest line of communication over the past several weeks. Frankly, we have shared some similar experiences as we have traveled through this journey seeking the judicial appointment to the bench,” Stapleton said. “I fully respect his decision and know it wasn’t easy but I also know Aaron would never let his clients down and likewise, will always do what he can do uphold the integrity of our judicial system.

“Aaron possesses a high quality skill set and I am looking forward to watching his legal future as it continues to take shape.”

Chapman cited Romans 12:10 to remind all to “outdo one another in showing honor.”

“It is my belief that we can do that with our court system and electoral process at all times moving forward,” Chapman said. “Again, I thank everyone once again for all of the encouragement that I have received, and I look forward to remaining in the full-time practice of law.”