Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert Rucker will stand for retention, ending speculation that he might become the fourth justice to step down in the last two years.

In a letter filed with the Office of Secretary of State dated Wednesday, Rucker confirmed that he would stand for retention. He and Steven David are the only Indiana Supreme Court justices who will face retention votes in the Nov. 6 general election.  

Rucker had only days remaining before a July 15 deadline in which to notify election officials of his intent. His decision comes a week before the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission will begin interviews with 22 candidates to fill a vacancy that will be created when Justice Frank Sullivan retires.

During a commission meeting in which Justice Brent Dickson was selected to succeed Randall Shepard as chief justice, Rucker joined David and Justice Mark Massa in recommending Dickson’s appointment. But Rucker hinted at that same hearing that he had not determined whether he would stand for retention.

Rucker at the time said Dickson was a steady hand to lead the court “with upheaval in our ranks … maybe more upheaval to come.”