Erica Woodford won her bid Tuesday to become the next clerk of Bibb County Superior Court.

With all precincts reporting, Woodford, a Democrat, had 34,676 votes, while her opponent, Republican Linda Tillman, had 26,856 votes.

Woodford will take over for Dianne Brannen, who is set to retire when her term ends in December after 16 years in office.

Woodford, 37, is a lawyer and a former magistrate. Tillman, 53, has worked as Brannen’s chief deputy clerk since 1997.

Woodford thanked her supporters Tuesday after the last votes were tallied and said she’s excited.

“One of my first goals is to get the electronic filing system implemented,” she said.

Tillman said she was disappointed with the election results.

While she wished Woodford well, Tillman won’t remain in her post at the clerk’s office.

“I’ll start searching for new opportunities tomorrow and see what God has out there for me,” she said.

While campaigning, both women said they wanted to make the clerk’s office more user friendly for the people who do business there.

Woodford, a Macon native, said she was running for the office because she has a special perspective on how to make the clerk’s office function better from her experience as a business owner, lawyer and a judge.

“I have a vested interest in this community because I’m from here and my family is here,” she has said.

Besides owning a law practice, Woodford has taught business and law-related classes at area colleges and technical schools.

During her campaign, Woodford said she wanted to eliminate fees for online court record access. Records now are available online for a fee.

Woodford said she also wanted to reduce filing fees when possible and to develop a court records search application for smartphones and iPads.

To contact writer Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398.