Democrats name Tess Judge to assume her late husband’s votes

Today North Carolina Democrats named Warren Judge’s wife, Tess, as their nominee for the N.C. House of Representatives District 6 seat.

Judge, 65, died Saturday night, Nov. 5, at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, where he was transported Wednesday night.

The Democratic Party House District Executive Committee for State House District 6 met today and voted by acclamation to name Tess Judge as the Democratic nominee for House District 6.

Warren Judge’s name will remain on the ballot. If the voters elect him, his wife Tess will assume his votes and will serve out his two-year term.

“Warren Judge leaves behind a legacy of public service and compassion for the people and communities he served,” said Elizabeth Morey, campaign manager for Warren Judge for NC House.  “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.”

“Tess’s decision to accept the nomination was driven by a strong belief that the people of our district deserve to be served the same way Warren would have served them,” Moray said. “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.”

“We are proud that Tess Judge will have the opportunity to serve her husband’s term if he is elected tomorrow,” said Kimberly Reynolds, Executive Director of the North Carolina Democratic Party. “This vote 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”

Judge, who served 16 years on the Dare County Board of Commissioners — 11 of them as chairman — is running against fellow board member Beverly Boswell, a Republican, for the District 6 seat that is being vacated by Paul Tine.

Although she has not served in public office, Tess Judge has been active in the Dare County community since she and her husband moved here from Jamestown, N.C., almost 30 years ago.

In 2011, they were jointly named Citizen of the Year by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.