The late Chancery Judge James H.C. Thomas, who died before Tuesday’s election, has captured the majority of votes in the 10th District.

Thomas died Oct. 1 after ballots were printed and he was listed as unopposed Tuesday in Forrest, Lamar, Pearl River, Marion and Perry counties. However, voters were required to write-in candidates for judge.

Unofficial returns show Thomas winning re-election with a margin of about 8,000 votes over all the write-in candidates.

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has said should Thomas receive the most votes, the governor would appoint a judge for one year, and an election would be held in 2011.

A spokeswoman for Hosemann says his office hasn’t been notified about race results yet.