Napp wins Third Judicial Circuit race

Associate Judge Kyle Napp has won election to a six-year term in the Third Judicial Circuit.

Napp defeated Hamel attorney Thomas Burkart by a margin of 57-43 percent. The vote total was 65,593-49,855.

“I’m thrilled with the outcome,” Napp said. “I couldn’t be more happy.”

Napp, a Democrat, will fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Circuit Judge Charles Romani in December.

Napp has served as a Madison County associate judge since 2007, presiding in the court’s Felony Division.

Napp resides in Godfrey and is married to Alton attorney Alan Napp. They have three children.

She said she was planning to take the day off work the day after the election to spend some time with her family.

Burkart, a Republican, operates Burkart Law Offices in Hamel.

Burkart had said he got into the race because he was tired of seeing judicial openings going unchallenged by the Republican Party.

According to Illinois State Board of Elections financial disclosure records, Burkart raised less than $12,000 this year through personal loans and several individual contributions.

Napp raised more than $80,000, much of which came from contributions from local attorneys.

Napp said she was very proud of the campaign she ran.

“I focused on my character and record,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to voters.

“A big thank you to Madison County voters,” she said