If a Senior Appellate Court Justice or Judge determines to seek nonjudicial elective public office, accepts appointment to a public office, practices law, or for any reason determines that senior status provided for in this chapter is no longer desirable, such Justice or Judge shall resign such Justice's or Judge's office and submit such Justice's or Judge's resignation to the Governor. Such resignation shall not affect or impair such Justice's or Judge's retirement pay and benefits.
OCGA § 15-3A-5