TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge whose past political tweets sank his nomination for a higher court and prompted Republican legislators to call for a review of his conduct announced Friday that he will step down early next year.

Labette County District Judge Jeffry Jack said he will retire Jan. 2 from the bench in southeast Kansas and take a job as an area director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County. He said the new job will be based in Lawrence.

Jack's announcement did not mention his failed nomination earlier this year for the Kansas Court of Appeals, a major embarrassment for...