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Two local attorneys will experience a change in their legal careers, going from presenting cases in front of a judge’s bench to issuing rulings while sitting behind one, following the unofficial results of Tuesday’s Primary Election.

Takiya Lewis Blalock, an Ahoskie-based attorney, and Jamal Summey, who is a partner in a law firm in Scotland Neck, emerged victorious in contested races for two seats for District Court Judge (Judicial District 7).

According to the unofficial results, Blalock defeated Thomas Earl Dixon, a Roanoke Rapids-based attorney, for Seat 3 while Summey edged Ahoskie attorney Assata Kimbrough Buffaloe for Seat 4.

Neither Blalock nor Summey face opposition in November’s General Election.

Judicial District 7 encompasses Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton counties. Nearly 60 percent of those voters favored Blalock, who was named on 7,787 ballots compared to 5,279 for Dixon.

Over 50 percent of Blalock’s support came during the Early Voting period where she received 3,992 votes across the district. Dixon was named on 1,940 ballots during Early Voting.

Blalock held a big advantage in Bertie and Hertford counties. In Bertie, she defeated Dixon, 1,515 – 394 and held a 1,555 – 572 margin of victory in Hertford County.

Northampton County voters also favored Blalock, 1,920 – 1,342.

Dixon won his home county of Halifax where he collected 2,971 votes compared to 2,797 for Blalock.

The race for Seat 4 was highly competitive. Summey received 6,833 votes (52.13%) while Buffaloe was named on 6,275 ballots (47.87%).

Summey held a slight advantage (3,161 – 2,914) during the Early Voting period. On Election Day, Summey received 3,641 votes compared to 3,318 for Buffaloe.

By county, Summey came out on top in Halifax (3,032 – 2,576) and Northampton (1,883 – 1,464). Buffaloe was the favored candidate in Bertie (1,074 – 893) and Hertford (1,161 – 1,025) counties.

All results are unofficial until all four counties perform their Election Canvass next week.