Judge Gary Blaylock Andrews of the state Court of Appeals announced Wednesday that he would retire in July after 27 years on the appellate bench.

Andrews’ move will give Gov. Nathan Deal an expected fourth open seat to fill on the 15-member court. The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Lisa Branch for a U.S. Court of Appeals seat Tuesday and is expected to vote on Judges Billy Ray and Tripp Self for U.S. District Court seats.