Kimberly Blair Walson was elected Tuesday night to fulfill the remainder of her husband’s unexpired term as family court judge for the 25th Circuit, Division 4, which covers Clark and Madison counties.

Walson defeated Richmond attorney Joan Deaton Grefer and write-in candidate Elizabeth Elkins Bond, an attorney from Clark County, to succeed Jeff Walson, who resigned from the seat in August citing family health concerns.

Walson led in Clark County with 62 percent of the total 12,636 votes cast for the race. She had 7,813 votes to Grefer’s 3,913 and Bond’s 910 write-ins.

In Madison County, Grefer led with 49 percent and 14,623 votes, while Walson received 47 percent and 14,143 votes. Bond had 1,099 votes.

This morning, Walson said she was thrilled with the results of the election. She said she campaigned on her experience .

“I tried to run a very positive campaign and I think the people received that well,” she said. “I think the people really wanted to support someone that wanted to remain positive and talk about their qualifications. That was pretty evident.”

Despite remarks from Gov. Matt Bevin Monday night regarding the timing of her husband’s resignation, Walson said she is happy with how her journey to the bench ended.

“It restores my faith in the election process for sure,” she said. “I’m thankful for the people who worked hard and got my message out.

“I’m really impressed with how many people came out and voted. I’m honored to be their next family court judge.”

Walson said she plans to hit the ground running in the next few weeks.

“We’ve got a great legacy of family court judges in the 25th circuit and I’m honored to be among them,” she said. “I plan to get in there, roll up my sleeves and work hard for the families in these communities.”