WARREN — The future of a common pleas court seat is set to look different in 2027, and Tuesday’s GOP primary has determined who will have the chance to fight for the spot in November.

Mary Ellen Ditchey received 69% of the vote compared to 31% for Devon Stanley, according to final and unofficial results from the Trumbull County Board of Elections Tuesday night.

The winner of the primary will go against Trumbull County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Becker, an independent who announced his plans to run in the upcoming general election last week.

Cynthia Westcott, who was the Democratic nominee in 2022 for a common pleas court seat left vacant after Judge Peter Kontos’ early retirement, withdrew her candidacy in February. She plans to retire when her term ends Dec. 31.

Ditchey, a magistrate under Westcott, has held the position for two years, boasting 15 years of legal experience throughout the state, most recently serving as an associate attorney before joining the court of common pleas.

Ditchey thanked her team and supporters, adding that she’s looking forward to the upcoming general election.

“It was a good race — I’m just looking forward to the general election; I’m just going to enjoy tonight,” Ditchey said. “I want to celebrate with everyone who has supported me. I have a great group of people who have been with me from the beginning.”

“I just want to keep the momentum going into the general, but we’re going to relax and enjoy the evening and start work tomorrow.”

Stanley, a Girard Municipal Court prosecutor and deputy clerk of courts, congratulated all of the candidates who won their races.

“Thank you to all the voters that came out and voted, especially those that helped pass the Liberty Township police levy,” Stanley said.

He is a Liberty trustee.

PROBATE COURT

Thomas A. Campbell won the Republican primary for Trumbull County Probate Court, beating Shelley Pratt, a Trumbull County Common Pleas Court magistrate serving under Sarah Kovoor.

Campbell received 68% to Pratt’s 32%, according to final and unofficial results from the Trumbull County Board of Elections.

The seat, being vacated at the end of the month by Democrat James A. Fredericka, who was unable to run again because of the state’s age-limit law on judicial candidates, will be filled immediately by Campbell, as no one filed as a Democrat or independent for the position.

Campbell said he was “very gratified” with the result.

“I certainly owe a lot to a lot of volunteers who worked very hard for me and the campaign, and I’m very pleased that people trust me again to take an important role in a public office,” Campbell said. “I certainly intend to do my very best for them.”

Campbell has served as judge of the Central District Court for more than 30 years. He was appointed to the position in 1995 by former Ohio Gov. George Voinovich and has since been elected to the court six times.

Campbell has practiced law for 37 years, focusing primarily on business law, estate planning and probate matters.

Campbell explained he was requested to run for the position when Judge Thomas Swift retired, but didn’t because Fredericka was running and “felt comfortable” with him at the helm.

Pratt did not respond to a request for comment.