Sutter County Superior Court: Heckman will sit on the bench

A Family Law Center manager and former prosecutor is on her way to the Sutter County Superior Court bench.

Sarah Heckman appears to be the first Sutter County judge elected to the bench in more than 25 years. Since the 1980s, Sutter County judges have retired mid-term and been replaced through gubernatorial appointment.

“It’s been difficult, expensive and challenging,” Heckman said late Tuesday, “but that makes it that much sweeter.”

She will replace retiring Judge H. Ted Hansen as the Department 2 judge.

Heckman, 59, was leading over attorney Jud Waggoman by nearly 5,000 votes.

“I hope the numbers hold, but I do feel so grateful for all of the support,” Heckman said. “It’s a lot of work to be elected, especially in such a large field.”

Waggoman could not be reached for comment.

A woman who answered the phone at Waggoman’s law office Tuesday afternoon said the judicial candidate was out of the country until Nov. 15.

Heckman emerged as the front-runner after the June primary, beating out eight other candidates and was more than 1,000 votes ahead of Waggoman, who finished second.

It appears she never surrendered her significant edge.

Heckman touted her experience in family court, as well as a lawyer and court administrator.

She said door-to-door campaigning was a big part of her strategy.

“We were able to spend time with a lot of people and really got to see those who really do make up the backbone of this community,” Heckman said Tuesday.

“We were able to keep everything above board and positive,” Heckman said.

The job pays $163,274.58.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785.