Denton County Judge Mary Horn announced Nov. 14 that she will retire at the end of her current term. She has served as county judge since June 2002. "Prior to becoming county judge, I worked as the county tax assessor-collector for almost 10 years," she said. "So at the end of my term, which will be the end of 2018, I will have worked for the county for 25 years; it's time [to retire]. Judge Horn was the first woman elected to the office of Denton County tax assessor-collector, the first woman elected as Denton County judge and is the longest-serving judge in Denton County history. “I am proud of my record in office,” Horn said. “And I am proud of the people I have had the honor to serve with. We have accomplished amazing things during my 15 years as county judge. It has been an honor to have had the privilege to do this, and I want thank the people of Denton County for giving me this incredible opportunity.” When Horn retires, she said she plans on spending more time with her family. "It's time to enjoy my grandchildren, and the good Lord has blessed me and my husband with good health, so it's time to take advantage of that and have some fun," she said. Horn said in a news release that she would like to see county Commissioner Andy Eads as her successor. “I support those working to encourage Andy Eads to run for county judge," she said. "Commissioner Eads and I have worked well together, and I know he will work hard for the citizens of Denton County. The good folks of Denton County can trust Andy.”