WARREN — Sarah Thomas Kovoor emerged victorious in her bid for the Trumbull County Common Pleas Court judge seat, marking the beginning of her judicial career.

Incomplete and unofficial results show Kovoor won the election with 50.62% of the vote, narrowly defeating Chris Becker, who received 49.38% out of a total of 74,201 votes cast.

Kovoor, a former trial attorney, acknowledged the unique challenges of transitioning to a judicial role but expressed her eagerness to start preparing right away.

“Being a judge is a very different role from being a trial attorney. I’m going to begin preparing immediately to ensure I’m ready,” she said.

Reflecting on her campaign, Kovoor identified the broad coalition that supported her as a crucial factor in her victory.

“I think the African-American community really rallied around me, and I’m incredibly grateful to them. I know it’s rare for that community to vote Republican, especially in today’s national climate,” she said, acknowledging Pastor Todd Johnson’s organization, I Vote Glass, and others who endorsed her.

“I was also fortunate to gain the support of Republicans, which I always knew I could rely on, but I think what really brought me over the edge was also getting urban support.”

With several weeks remaining before officially taking the bench, Kovoor has a clear plan for her preparation. “First, I want to thank everyone who helped me — they were an incredible team,” she said. “Then, I need to finish up my own cases and prepare for my role as a judge. That includes studying judgment entries, analysis, and making sure my rulings are clear and accessible to the public.”

Becker, who has spent the last 25 years as the top assistant prosecutor under longtime Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Transparency will be central to Kovoor’s approach to her new position.

“I’ve always said I want transparency. I believe all discussions, especially those in civil cases and some criminal ones, should happen in open court whenever possible, with clear documentation,” she said. “People need to trust the judicial system, and I want to empower individuals by being as open as possible.”

Becker was not available for comment at press time.