NATCHEZ — Adams County voters will elect a new county court judge Tuesday after months of campaigning from candidates and a general election that left two candidates in a runoff.

The election comes after 31-year veteran Judge John Hudson announced he would not seek re-election.

Six candidates were on the ballot for the general election Nov. 4, with two candidates receiving the majority of the votes but not enough to win outright.

Patricia Dunmore received 2,988 votes, or 36.59 percent, while Walt Brown took 2,478 votes, or 30.34 percent.

Brown worked in private practice law in Natchez from 1989 until he was appointed assistant district attorney in 2004, where he currently serves.

Dunmore practiced as a private practice attorney in Natchez in 1984 until she began serving as Adams County Justice Court Judge of the Northern District in 2007, where she currently serves.

Only 19 counties in Mississippi have county courts, which were created by the Legislature to reduce the workload of circuit and chancery courts. The county court hears matters of eminent domain, unlawful entry and detainer, partition of personal property and youth court. The county court judge also hears non-capital felony criminal cases the circuit court transfers.

The Natchez Democrat interviewed the two remaining candidates and asked them to discuss an experience in the court system that summarizes why the election is so important to them.

Describe one personal experience you have had in the court system that sums up for you why this election is so important. Describe your experience, and the role you played in it. Describe what you would have done differently or what you think should have been done differently, if anything.