Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson is looking to step down after a 26-year stint as the borough’s lead prosecutor, opting instead for a judgeship should the Bronx Democratic Party back him.

“It is time for a change in my life,” said Johnson, in a prepared statement. Now, Johnson, has prepared a run for Justice of the New York State Supreme Court asking the Bronx Democratic County Committee (BDCC) for support.

“The judicial position will allow me to make a career move that provides the change that I seek without giving up public office,” continued Johnson.

For years Johnson served as a lead prosecutor to a borough that saw the fewest cases go to trial. Critics pointed to Johnson as a “puppet” of the BDCC, given how little he prosecuted corrupt lawmakers.

Speculation ran rampant over the summer that Johnson would not seek support from the BDCC in his run for another term. One political insider, who asked not to be identified because of their affiliation with the Bronx Democratic County Committee, said former County leader now-turned Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie, was looking to place Johnson on the ballot only to offer him the judgeship post and replace him with party-friendly Darcel Clark, an appellate court judge. Heastie told reporters he hasn’t made any decisions on BDCC matters since he’s no longer county leader. Those decisions are now made by current party leader, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

But Johnson refuted those claims in his statement, saying, “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. I have, over the years, enjoyed their full faith and support both personally and through many electoral processes.”

Johnson would still need the required number of judicial delegates to put him on the ballot at the upcoming Judicial Convention on Sept. 24. In his statement, Johnson noted should not receive the nomination, he will put his name on the ballot for District Attorney once again.