Herman Thomas Running For State Senate

Three months after he was found not guilty of paddling and sexually abusing inmates, former Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas is running for State Senate.

"I wish to continue my commitment to serve my community that has done so much for me and my family," Thomas said.

Thomas made the announcement during an 11:00 a.m. news conference streamed live on wkrg.com.

"I will be walking the district listening and talking to people because the seat belongs to them," said the former judge.

Thomas' opponent, Senator Vivian Davis-Figures, testified for the prosecution during his sex abuse trial. Her son was one of Thomas' alleged victims. But Thomas says Figures' testimony was not a factor in his decision. "I'm not running against anyone. I'm running for the people of Senate District 33," Thomas said.

Thomas plans to focus on what he called several important issues facing District 33, including juvenile crime, a high dropout rate among high school students, low test scores, unemployment and neighborhood revitalization.

"Make no mistake. The last few years have been a struggle for me and my family. However, I'm going nowhere. I'm here to stay."