In one of the most contested local judicial races in recent memory, incumbent District Court Judge Ron Wilkins handily defeated challenger Jane Redding, according to complete but unofficial returns.

A political action committee led by an Asheboro attorney worked for weeks to support Redding’s campaign and tar Wilkins as an irresponsible judge.

The PAC, which was not connected to Redding, sent out mailings and paid for other advertising that sought to label Wilkins as a poor decision maker and bad judge.

“I don’t know when I will be back in Carthage,” the judge said on Election Day as he canvassed voters. “I’m taking next week off. No matter how things turn out, we’re going to the beach next week.”

Wilkins was in a buoyant mood Tuesday as he handed out cards and campaign nail files.

According to complete but unofficial returns, Wilkins won 62 percent of the vote in Moore County to Redding’s 37 percent. In Randolph County, which is also included in the judicial district, Wilkins won 58 percent of the vote. Results were not immediately available for Montgomery County.

“Here is my thought,” Wilkins said as the numbers started piling up. “I’m very happy. The voters of Moore, Randolph and Montgomery counties have placed their trust in me once more to continue serving justice on their behalf. I would like to thank the Lord, thank my wife, Cindy, thank our friends, family and supporters — as well as all the voters.

“Thanks for their prayers, support and encouragement through this long and sometimes difficult campaign.”

In the other judicial race, sitting District Court Judge Skipper Creed easily turned away challenger Bob McCroskey, though more decisively in his home county of Moore.

According to complete but ­unofficial returns, Creed won more than 70 percent of the votes in his home county, Moore. In Randolph County, the vote was closer; Creed won 53 percent of the vote.

In the other district court judicial race, James P. “Jimmy” Hill ran unopposed and was re-elected, as was District Attorney Maureen Krueger.

The Redding-Wilkins race stole a lot of attention from other higher profile races on the ballot.

Asheboro attorney Charlie Browne started Citizens for a Competent Judiciary, set up its website, and has been putting up billboards and signs from that PAC promoting Redding.

Several Republicans accused Browne of being a Democratic-controlled PAC, but he vehemently denied the charge.

Contact John Chappell at (910) 783-5841 or jfchappell@gmail.com.