Nov. 7, 2016. 5:16 p.m.
The North Carolina Democratic Party House District executive committee for State House District 6 voted today to name the late Warren Judge’s wife, Tess Judge, as the Democratic candidate for this seat that will be decided tomorrow in the general election.
Warren Judge, 65, of Kill Devil Hills and Democratic candidate for this position, died over the weekend, three days before tomorrow’s general election. He had been hospitalized Wednesday night in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Va.
Judge, a Dare County commissioner, was running against Beverly Boswell-R, Kitty Hawk, a fellow county commissioner.
While Warren’s name will remain on the ballot, if the voters elect him, his wife Tess will serve out his two-year term, according to today’s announcement issued by Sandy Semans Ross, Dare County Democratic Party secretary.
The following statement is from Elizabeth Morey, Judge’s campaign manager:
“Warren Judge leaves behind a legacy of public service and compassion for the people and communities he served. The campaign appreciates the outpouring of love and sympathy we have received during this difficult time.
“The lives Warren touched and the impact he had on Dare County are immeasurable. Our campaign intends to honor that legacy by continuing to campaign and give Warren one last chance to make a difference for the people and community he loved.
“Today, Warren’s devoted wife Tess accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for House District 6. Tess’s decision was driven by a strong belief that the people of our district deserve to be served the same way Warren would have served them. She wants to help finish the work she and Warren started together more than 40 years ago.
“Tess believes serving Warren’s term is a way to honor his memory should the voters elect him tomorrow. I know Tess shares the same values and ideals that we all respected and admired in Warren and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute.”
Kimberly Reynolds, executive director of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said the party is proud that Tess would have the opportunity to serve her husband’s term should he be elected tomorrow.
“This vote (by the local committee) also assures voters that a vote for Warren Judge will go to someone who couldn’t be more committed to honoring his legacy and reflecting his values – his loving wife Tess,” she said.
