Both incumbents were winning in the race for two judgeships in Josephine County Circuit Court, although one race was too close to call.

The first round of unofficial results show Judge Brandon Thueson, a 2019 Kate Brown appointee seeking election for the first time, holding a slim lead over challenger Amanda Thorpe for Position 1 on the court, 50.6% to 48.8%.

That race was separated by 672 votes — 18,732 for Thueson vs. 18,060 for Thorpe.

“A little too close for comfort,” Thueson said, adding that he’s “holding my breath, keeping my fingers crossed.”

In the other race, Judge Sarah McGlaughlin, also a 2019 Brown appointee seeking her first election win, was much more comfortably ahead of challenger Jason Hayward for Position 4 on the court.

McGlaughlin, a former Josephine County deputy prosecutor, had the backing of the local legal community and ran a strong campaign that included numerous appearances at the Grants Pass Growers’ Market.

She credited her campaign team, relationships she forged as a prosecutor, and getting out and meeting voters.

“Having people understand who you are as a person is really important,” she said.