Cindy Scott will spend the next four years as a judge on the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, finishing the Division 1 term left vacant by Senior Status Judge Russell Clawges when he retired in January 2019.
Gov. Jim Justice appointed Chief Judge Debra Scudiere, who took the bench in April 2019, to replace Clawges. However, state law requires governor-appointed judges to run in the next election.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. I want to thank the voters of Monongalia County for putting their faith in me and honoring me with their votes,” Scott said. “My heart is centered in public service, and I am thrilled about using my experience to serve our community as judge.”
She thanked both her opponents, Scudiere and attorney Michael Simms, for the hard-fought campaign and her friends and family who stood by her.
Scott spent 10 years as an assistant prosecutor, 12 years as a defense attorney and, most recently, three years with the WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Circuit Court judges serve eight-year terms in West Virginia.
Scudiere said she plans to go back to being a mediator and is sure the county will be fine with Scott as a judge. On Facebook, she congratulated Scott and wished her the best in her new role.
Scott received 8,190 votes. Scudiere earned 7,034 and Simms had 4,294.
All results are unofficial until canvassing is complete.
