ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Jim Martin, who has been Lehigh County district attorney for nearly 25 years, said Tuesday he will not seek re-election in November.
- Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin will not seek reelection after nearly 25 years in the office
- Martin thanked members of the county and the law enforcement community for support during his tenure
- Martin's tenure was marked with the expansion of many law enforcement programs throughout the county
Martin intends to serve the remainder of his term, he said, and thanked his colleagues in law enforcement in the county as well as those in the office that supported him.
"I have been privileged to serve in this office," said Martin in the announcement. "I am proud of the record that has been achieved in the office of District Attorney over the last 25 years.
"This has been accomplished through the dedication and efforts of the many assistant district attorneys who have lent their professionalism to the office and to the dedicated members of the administrative staff who have served the office and the citizens of Lehigh County in an exemplary manner."
Martin was first appointed to the post in 1998 by then-county Executive Jane Baker.
Martin highlighted the office's record in prosecuting homicide, which he referred to as the most serious crime. He said the office has prosecuted 296 homicides, with 289 convictions — a conviction rate of more than 97.5%.
Martin is the most senior district attorney in the state, a status previously held by former Northampton District Attorney John Morganelli until his 2020 retirement.
Martin also is a past president of the Bar Association of Lehigh County.
"I owe a great debt of gratitude to the citizens of Lehigh County for placing their trust in me and electing me to this important office on six different occasions," Martin said.
"I am proud to have achieved the rank of 'longest serving District Attorney in the history of Lehigh County.'"
Martin recently appointed criminal defense attorney Gavin P. Holihan as first assistant district attorney, which serves as second-in-command.
The retiring district attorney's career was marked by expansions of and creation of various programs, such as the Child Advocacy Center of Lehigh County, the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center, the Municipal Emergency Response Team, and opioid addiction treatments.
In the past election cycle, the office was subject to some controversy over the monitoring of election ballot drop boxes.
