The most important article of clothing in any judge’s closet is the gown – which Jeffrey Bassett will certainly be keeping after initial election returns Tuesday.

The incumbent, who was appointed to Position 5 on the Kitsap Superior Court in February, won 38,060 votes to Dale Magneson’s 33,095, capturing 53.3 percent of the ballots.

“I’m very thankful to the voters of Kitsap County for their faith in me,” Bassett said following Tuesday’s count.

“I will work hard for them everyday and continue to be open, prepared and accessible to all who come before the court,” he said. “Many thanks to those who personally helped me on my campaign, as no one ‘goes it alone.’”

Before Gov. Jay Inslee tapped him to replace Jay Roof, Bassett ran a solo practice out of Bremerton focused on child dependency cases. He previously worked as a public defender and also practiced at a Renton firm specializing in bankruptcy and personal injury matters.

Magneson, a Kitsap native, worked in the Bremerton shipyard before receiving his law degree from Brigham Young University. Besides his experience, mostly based in family law, he touted his intimacy with the area as one of his greatest strengths.

Since Magneson and Bassett were the only candidates running for judicial seat, they did not participate in August’s Primary Election.