Incumbent Carolyn Saldari Bengel appears to win 6th term as district judge

A Brackenridge-based magistrate with 30 years in office appears to have won the nomination on both tickets this fall, essentially guaranteeing another six years on the job.

With 100% of precincts reporting Tuesday night, Carolyn Saldari Bengel handily beat her opponent, Thomas Babinsack, on the Democratic ticket, earning about 60% of the votes, according to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Elections Department.

Bengel earned 1,629 votes to Babinsack’s 682 on the Democratic side.

On the Republican ballot, the results were a bit closer, with Bengel receiving 824 votes to Babinsack’s 512.

Results typically are certified in about two weeks.

Bengel was not available for comment late Tuesday.

She said previously that she has the “mental toughness,” combined with practical on-the-job experience, to serve as magistrate.

Bengel earned an undergraduate degree from Saint Vincent College and a law degree from the University of Toledo.

She serves at county night court on a rotating basis, performing arraignments, protection from abuse orders and signing off on search warrants.

Magisterial district judges earn about $106,250 a year. Bengel’s office serves Brackenridge, East Deer, Fawn, Harrison and Tarentum.

Babinsack, a Harrison attorney and part-time business manager for Guardian Angels Parish, said he made a bid for the job in hopes of bringing fresh ideas to the magistrate’s office.

“It’s been a great experience, and I thank everyone who supported me,” Babinsack said. “I thank Judge Bengel for a good race, and I appreciate everyone who came out to vote.”

Despite the results, Babinsack said he intends to continue serving the community in a variety of capacities.

“I’ll keep helping any way I can,” he said.