Two candidates will face off in November to be the 22nd District, Division 3 judge in Fayette County.
Maria Ransdell, who has held the post for 13 consecutive years and had not faced opposition on the ballot until this year, got 20,437 votes, and Kim Wilkie received 11,682. Joseph Rugg, a former assistant Fayette County attorney, received 6,878 votes.
"I'm honored to know that the people of Fayette County support my hard work as a district court judge, and I look forward to continuing to meet the voters as I work towards the general election," Ransdell said after Tuesday's race.
Ransdell has said previously that her experience, which includes presiding over drug court, a sentencing alternative, in Fayette district and circuit courts, makes her the best candidate.
Wilkie, a former public defender's office lawyer, has said that new blood is needed in the district judge's office.
Fayette PVA race
In the race for Fayette County property valuation administrator, incumbent David O'Neill trounced former PVA Renee True. O'Neill received 19,032 votes to True's 7,459.
O'Neill will face Republican Jay Whitehead, chief administrative officer of Lexington under former Mayor Teresa Isaac, in the fall general election.
"I think that we've worked really hard in the PVA office the last 14 months," O'Neill said just after his victory.
True could not be reached for comment.
Fayette sheriff race
Kathy Witt will keep her job as Fayette County's sheriff.
Witt, who has been sheriff for the past 12 years, defeated fellow Democrat Sue Neff, a former Fayette County sheriff's deputy, in Tuesday's primary. Witt received 22,499 votes; Neff received 4,007 votes.
Witt has no opposition in the November general election, which means she will automatically remain as sheriff.
"I'm just appreciative to the voters, to their vote of confidence today," Witt said after Tuesday's race, adding that she was eager to see what the next four years bring.
Neff could not be reached for comment.
Neff was a sheriff's deputy for 12 years, served as a bailiff, transported prisoners and assisted victims of domestic violence. Her efforts earned her the sheriff office's Officer of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Humanitarian Award.
22nd district judge
Top two advance to general election.
Candidate Votes Pct.
Maria Ransdell 20,437 52.4
Kim Wilkie 11,682 30.0
Joseph Rugg 6,878 17.6
100 percent reporting
