CANTON — Cherokee County District Attorney Garry Moss announced Wednesday he will not be seeking re-election in 2013 and will be supporting the candidacy of an assistant district attorney from his office to take over his job.

Moss said Assistant District Attorney Shannon Wallace has registered as a candidate and he fully supports her election campaign. In the coming weeks, he said he will name Wallace as chief assistant district attorney.

“In the event that I cannot perform my duties and responsibilities, she will take my place and fulfill my role,” he said.

Wallace could be facing Cherokee County Solicitor General David Cannon Jr., who said Wednesday he has not yet decided whether or not he will run.

“I have not made my final decision,” Cannon said, adding that Wallace’s candidacy will have no impact on his decision.

Moss, who has served as district attorney since 1989, said he intends to serve his remaining term and has no plans when he leaves office.

“I believe in God and I’m waiting for direction from Him,” he said.

Moss said he fully supports Wallace’s candidacy.

“She walks with God, and I trust her with everything I have,” he said. “She has excellent and sound judgment. I think she will create a great infusion of new, positive energy for Cherokee County.”

Wallace, 34, has been assistant district attorney for four years and prior to a short term in private practice, she spent eight years in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. Throughout her 10-year career, one of her major focuses has been crimes against women and children.

Along with her husband, Kyle, a partner at Alston and Bird in Atlanta, Wallace and her two children have lived in Towne Lake since 2008.

She said she reached her decision to run through prayer.

“I feel that it’s what God’s leading me to do,” she said. “This is my passion. My heart is in prosecution.”

Wallace said that her platform will be to continue being tough on crime.

“My reputation is for being tough but fair,” she said. “I know what this community needs as far as making sure they feel protected in every way.”

Wallace lauded Moss’ “hands-on” management style of his office and plans to continue a similar type of leadership.

“Garry has done a great job leading our office and protecting our community and I want to continue to do the same,” she said.

want to continue to do the same,” she said.