There are 47 nominees to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears is stepping down June 30. She will be replaced by Justice Carol Hunstein. Gov. Sonny Perdue will select from the among lawyers, judges, prosecutors and state lawmakers nominated to fill the open seat.

The state Judicial Nominating Commission had set a Thursday deadline for nominations. The nominees have until June 22 to decide whether to formally apply for the position.

Former state Attorney General Mike Bowers, who chairs the commission, has already declined his nomination.

The commission plans to hold 20-minute interviews with each applicant on June 29 and 30 before sending a handful of recommendations to Perdue.