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As the dust settles from the March 5 primary election, Mark Fickes appears headed to victory to become the newest judge on the Alameda County Superior Court.
With results still not yet certified, Fickes has emerged as the frontrunner sustaining a lead since Election Night over opponent Michael Johnson in the two-candidate race to succeed incumbent Judge Evelio Grillo, who did not seek reelection.
In most recent results update from the county Registrar of Voters, as of March 20, Fickes sat at 55.23% (132,830 votes) and Johnson at 44.77% (107,680) for the spot on the bench – labeled on the ballot as “Seat 12”.
“At this point in the post-election weeks, I’m feeling a sense of gratitude,” Fickes said. “The support and trust that the voters of Alameda County have placed in me are truly humbling, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to potentially serve as their judge.”
In the coming days and weeks, the final results are expected to be certified and the transition to a new judge begins. Fickes is poised to join more than 30 Alameda County Superior Court Judges and commissioners overseeing cases from within the county.
“Mixed with that gratitude is a sense of eagerness to see the final results and to officially begin this next chapter. The weeks following the election have been filled with excitement and anticipation as we wait for the final tallies and certification of the results,” Fickes said.
He addressed his lead, saying he is honored as his team looks forward to election certification.
“I’m aware of the responsibility that comes with leading in the numbers. The trust that the voters have placed in me is not something I take lightly. If elected, I am committed to upholding integrity, fairness and justice in serving the people of Alameda County,” he said.
Johnson also shared his reflections following weeks of voting results after Election Night.
“I am proud of the campaign we ran and the support we received from voters across Alameda County. I also feel a sense of anticipation and uncertainty as we await the final results,” he said.
“This (post-election period) has been a time of reflection and gratitude. I am incredibly thankful to the volunteers, supporters, and constituents who believed in our vision for a fair and equitable judiciary. Their dedication and passion have been the driving force behind our campaign, and I am deeply appreciative of their efforts,” Johnson added.
Throughout the race, issues ranging from fairness, equality and public confidence were main issues addressed by Johnson and Fickes.
Johnson said he remains dedicated to serving the residents of Alameda County.
“Regardless of the outcome, I am committed to continuing to serve the community and advocating for the values that guided our campaign from the beginning. Our work does not end with the election,” he added. “I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and hopeful for the future of our judiciary.”
As election results are certified, Fickes and Johnson said they anticipate making additional official statements.