Larry Fields has been appointed to replace longtime Panola County District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson. (Courtesy Photo)

Former Panola County Justice of the Peace Larry Fields has been appointed to replace longtime District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office announced.

Fields will assume the role Jan. 1 for a term set to expire Dec. 31, 2026, or until his successor is elected, the governor’s office said.

Davidson announced his retirement in October.

An attorney, Fields previously served as JP for Pct. 2 and 4. He unsuccessfully ran for the County Court at Law judgeship in 2022. He is also a former peace officer and constable as well as a municipal court judge and East Texas Baptist University paralegal instructor.

Fields is a member of the State Bar of Texas and a member and former president of the Panola County Bar Association. Additionally, he is a former board member and member of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Carthage Noon Lions Club, a former board member of the Rusk-Panola Child Advocacy Center and a former gubernatorial appointee and secretary of the Texas Optometry Board.

Fields received a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and his law degree from the South Texas College of Law Houston.