NY1 has learned that longtime Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson will pursue a judicial nomination. 

Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson is looking to leave his post – in a controversial move that would let party officials handpick his successor.

In a statement released late this afternoon, the city’s longest serving district attorney said he has asked Democrats to nominate him as a state Supreme Court judge, when their judicial convention is held next Thursday.

Johnson is already on the ballot for district attorney on not only the Democratic, but the Republican line as well.

Being nominated for a judgeship is one of the few ways he can leave the ballot.

And because the primary already occurred, any candidate to replace him on the ballot will now have to be picked by Bronx Party leaders, not voters.

In his statement, Johnson says, "It is time for change in my life. The judicial position will allow me to make  a career move that provides the change that I seek without giving up public service."

A move like this has been rumored for some time, there were even reports he was being pressured to step down.

But, in his statement, Johnson, “Contrary to what has been reported, no one, including anyone associated with the Bronx Democratic Party, has ever offered me another position, nor has anyone asked me to step down or retire as the District Attorney." 

Johnson made history in 1989, becoming the city’s first African-American district attorney.

He says he will be making no further comment on this latest decision.

Bronx Democratic Chairman Marcos Crespo declined to comment as well.

Before being elected DA, Johnson served as an acting state judge.