Republican Matthew J. Brungo is the apparent winner of the district judge race for District 05-02-12, which covers Bradford Woods and Marshall, McCandless and Pine townships, according to unofficial vote totals reported Nov. 7 by the Allegheny County Board of Elections.
The results are unofficial until the vote has been certified by the Allegheny County Board of Elections.
With 100% of precincts reporting, there were 9,869 votes for Brungo, of McCandless and 9,241 for Democrat Eric Fischer, also of McCandless. There were 20 write-in votes cast.
Magisterial district judges oversee summary criminal cases, traffic citations and non-traffic citations. They preside over civil matters including contracts, torts and landlord and tenant disputes not exceeding over $12,000.
District judges also preside over arraignments and preliminary hearings. They set bail, issue arrest warrants in misdemeanor and felony cases and issue search warrants.
They also conduct marriage ceremonies.
