It was a heady victory for Shannon Clark Tuesday, as she took the seat for the 12th judicial circuit court judge by a margin of nearly 2 to 1 against her opponent Joel Williams.

“I’m grateful to everybody for their help and support throughout the entire campaign and I look forward to getting to work for the people of this circuit,” she said.

Clark defeated Williams 16,149 to 8,062 according to an unofficial tally from Pike County and Coffee County.

Clark was an active campaigner as the Republican nominee in Coffee County and Pike County throughout the race.

She said she plans to “hit the ground running,” on her term as circuit judge.

She added that she will consult with Judge Barr for advice and guidance on her new position.

“I don’t want to wait until January,” she said.

Clark also said prior to her election she would practice from the Pike County courthouse if she were elected.

In Pike County alone, Williams took the vote with 4,876 to 4,644.

Williams, who practices law in Troy, could not be reached for comment.

He ran as a Democrat in the race and said prior to the election he opposed active campaigning for a judicial seat.