Kim a winner in county judge race

Family court race too close to call

By Cloey Callahan
Posted 11/5/20

Republican Hyun Chin Kim has won the County Court Judge seat with 60 percent of the votes, or 77,115 votes, as of early Wednesday morning, making history as the first woman sitting as an Orange …

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Kim a winner in county judge race

Family court race too close to call

Posted

Republican Hyun Chin Kim has won the County Court Judge seat with 60 percent of the votes, or 77,115 votes, as of early Wednesday morning, making history as the first woman sitting as an Orange County Court Judge. Kim challenged democrat Paul Trachte who received 51,305 votes.

“I am so humbled this morning by this community’s overwhelming show of support and cannot express how privileged I feel to serve as the next Orange County Court Judge,” said Kim in a post on Facebook. “Thank you again to all who did so much to help us along this journey. We did it!”

Trachte has not yet made a comment.

The seat opened because County Court Judge Robert Freehill is retiring at the end of 2020. Kim’s prior experience includes being an attorney for nearly 25 years, working at a Hudson Valley law firm for four years and working at the Orange County Attorney’s office for 13 years. With the County Court Judge win, she will be leaving behind her position as the court attorney for Orange County Court Judge William L. DeProspo.

“Hyun Chin Kim - and our entire team - would like to extend our appreciation to our many volunteers and supporters for all the hours they have invested over the last few months,” a Facebook post read. “Political campaigns extend beyond a single candidate and are truly a team effort of many great people and great minds. We could not have done it without all of you. Thank you.”

The Family Court Judge race was a little tighter, with the unofficial results unable to show a clear winner between incumbent Carol Klein and Maria Patrizio. As of early Wednesday morning, Patrizio had 45 percent of the votes, or 58,106 votes and Klein had 54.97 percent of the votes, or 70,981 votes.

“It's been a long day,” said Patrizio in a Facebook post. “We do not have any answers for you tonight. There are tens of thousands of absentee ballots that need to be counted. As predicted, this is an incredibly close race. Thank you for all of your support!”

Additionally, she thanked everyone who was involved in her campaign and said “no matter what happens today, I will continue my work in Family Court in one capacity or another.”

Klein said in a Facebook post, “We would like to take a moment of pause to extend our appreciation to all of the dedicated supporters and volunteers who have joined us on this journey. Thank you for believing in Judge Carol Klein's lifelong commitment to Orange County children and families. We are so grateful for all of you.”

It is unsure as to when the final votes will be in.