PIKEVILLE, Ky. — With the primary election still six months away, a game of musical chairs has broken out in Pike County government.

After Pike County Judge-Executive Ray Jones has announced he will not seek another term, former Pike County Superintendent Reed Adkins entered the race as a Republican. But now Adkins has dropped out of the race, after announcing he will accept a position as executive director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region.

“I would like to say thank you for the overwhelming response and support after I filed to run for Pike County Judge Executive,” Adkins said in a post on social media. “I am truly humbled! My goal as judge was to help our community grow and advance. When I filed, I did not know the executive director’s opportunity with SOAR would come a couple of days later. SOAR services 54 counties in Kentucky. The opportunity to work with an organization geared toward economic development in our area is dream job for me!”

Now, Pike County Jailer Brian Morris has dropped out his race for re-election and has instead filed to run in the Republican primary for county judge-executive.

“I am running because I believe in Pike County — its people, its potential, and its future,” Morris said in. “With your support, I will continue working tirelessly to serve our community with integrity and a true heart for the people.”

The deadline for candidates to file to run in next year’s election is Jan. 9.