Seven people have been recommended to Gov. Nathan Deal to fill a seat on the Supreme Court of Georgia that is expected to become open this summer.

The state's Judicial Nominating Commission said in a statement Friday that it has sent the names to the governor. The vacancy will come with the retirement of Chief Justice George Carley, which is set for July.

The following people have been recommended to Deal: Cynthia J. Becker, Keith Blackwell, Lisa Branch, Michael Brown, Billy Ray, Tillman Self and Ben Studdard. The finalists include five lower court judges and two lawyers.

A governor's spokesman said earlier this week that 31 people had applied to fill the opening. The governor's office will schedule interviews with the finalists.

Tags: George Carley, Georgia Supreme Court, appoint, court vacancy