Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — In Centre County, a long-time attorney is headed to be the next judge in the county’s court of common pleas.

Julia Rater, of State College, won both the Democratic and Republican primary races in the county judge’s election, defeating fellow Democrat Gopal Balachandran.

Rater, who has primarily practiced family law for nearly 30 years, stressed that experience in what she termed was her first, and only, political race of her career.

“I am so appreciative for all the support I’ve had in our community. It’s been wonderful.”

With Rater winning both the primary elections, she may be sworn in early as a county judge, instead of waiting until after the November general election.

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