Jefferson City Municipal Judge Cotton Walker won the two-way Republican race for associate circuit judge in Tuesday's Cole County primary election.
The unofficial results show Walker with 9,158 votes (63.97 percent) compared to Tim Anderson with 5,158 votes (36.03 percent).
"I appreciate the support from the community, and the hard work paid off," Walker said. "Tim ran a good, hard race. We were both walking streets and knocking on doors as recently as Monday night, and I appreciate his efforts. It made us work hard."
Anderson said he enjoyed the opportunity to run.
"The people I was able to meet and interact with was a great joy for both me and my wife, Debbie," Anderson said said. "I certainly congratulate Cotton and am thankful for those who stuck with us. I hope to be around for something in the future."
Anderson came into the race with 29 years of experience as an assistant attorney general for the state.
Walker has been serving as the elected municipal judge in Jefferson City since 2011. He was municipal judge in Russellville from 1994-2017.
"Just being involved for 25 years in the community and working on the bench, I know what the expectations of citizens are," Walker said.
Walker will face Democrat Gaylin Rich Carver in the November. She ran unopposed in Tuesday's primary. Incumbent Judge Tom Sodergren is not running for re-election.
"We're friends, and we know each other well," Walker said. "I expect it will be a tough race, and I will run the same way I did this time."