Jill McCormick has been named evening co-anchor at WJET, the ABC affiliate in Erie, Pa.

McCormick joined WJET-WFXP last year as a fill-in anchor and reporter for the morning newscast. She will co-anchor the 5, 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Sean Lafferty beginning January 2.

“Jill is a true professional with many years of experience both in front of the camera and behind the scenes,” VP-GM Tim Dunst said in a statement. “We are proud and excited about the anchor team of Sean Lafferty and Jill McCormick on JET 24 Action News beginning January 2.”

McCormick replaces Kim Thomas, who is leaving the station for a job in politics.

WJET-WFXP anchor Kim Thomas is leaving the television business to take a job in politics, the Erie Times-News reports.

Thomas will begin in December as director of communications and public relations for Sean Wiley, who will be sworn in as a Pennsylvania state senator in January.

In a statement to Press & Tower, WJET-WFXP news director Lou Baxter said the station has launched a national search for Thomas’ replacement. Her co-anchor for the evening newscasts, Sean Lafferty, will anchor solo until a replacement is named.

“Kim has done a great job for us the past 6 years ago, having spent the last two of them on the anchor desk with Sean Lafferty,” Baxter said. “We wish her the best of luck.”