FLEMINGSBURG — Tuesday night’s election results not only revealed some surprises in public opinion, but also set brand new precedents in some communities and districts at large.
Kim Leet Razor won election as the 19th Judicial District Court judge, which includes Fleming, Mason and Bracken counties. Razor won over current Judge Jeffrey Schumacher with 7,431 votes between all three counties in the district against Schumacher’s 3,587 votes.
With the win, Razor simultaneously became the first female district judge for the 19th district, with previous judges historically being male. While running for office, Razor said she had not considered her being the first woman to attain the position.
“No, that was not a consideration for me as to why I filed for office or as I was campaigning,” she said, “and I didn’t perceive this as being an issue for the voters.”
If anything, Razor said she looked toward being district judge as wishing to honor the position with hard work.
“Occasionally, when i was asked if it would be an honor to be elected as the first female judge in this district, my response was ‘it would simply be an honor to serve as District Judge because there is a lot of important work to be done in district court,’” she said.
Ultimately, Razor said she is grateful people trusted in her enough to allow her to take on responsibility as district judge.
“I wish to thank my volunteers, supporters and voters,” Razor said. “I look forward to serving the people of Bracken, Fleming and Mason counties as your next District Judge.”
Another race also achieved the milestone of the first female elected into her office: soon-to-be Bracken County Judge-Executive Tina Teegarden.
Teegarden, a Democrat said when she was found to be the winner over Republican Gary Hicks with a total of 1,769 votes to Hicks’ 1,165, was that she felt incredibly honored.
“I just feel very blessed and honored that the people believed in me, and had faith that I would do a good job in this position,” she said.
Much like Razor, Teagarden said never really thought of her becoming the first female judge-executive in the county when she ran for office.
“My heart is in Bracken County,” she said, “and I wanted the opportunity to see if I could make a positive difference in our county.”
Despite not giving it a thought, Teagarden said she is nonetheless honored by becoming the first female judge-executive of Bracken County. Through countless people who have given her support and encouragement, she said she is grateful beyond words.
“I can never thank anyone enough,” she said.
