Jennifer Gilliland Vanasdale is continuing in her bid for Butler County Common Pleas judge.

The Cranberry Township attorney said Tuesday night that she is running as a write-in candidate in the upcoming November election.

“I intend to continue what I started when I stood up against Judge (Thomas) Doerr's misconduct in October of 2018,” Vanasdale said.

Vanasdale lost in the cross-filed primary election against William “Wink” Robinson for the open seat in Butler County's family court, which opened when Judge Marilyn Horan moved to the federal bench in Pittsburgh.

In May, Vanasdale lost in the Democratic primary by only six votes. She initially started a recount application, but then halted the process.

According to Vanasdale, some voters told her they were concerned about retaliation if a recount was pursued.

Vanasdale said she is not ready to give up on the race. She said she considers herself the most qualified candidate because she is “not a courthouse insider.”

“I will work hard for all people,” she said. “I was born into the foster care system here in Butler County. It is personal to me to see that our court provides efficient and fair justice without abuse and misconduct.”

Asked if he had a comment on Vanasdale announcing a write-in campaign, Robinson said “My only comment is, it is absolutely her right to do so.”

Vanasdale's announcement means a challenge in Robinson's unopposed race in November.

In a letter written to Gov. Tom Wolf on Aug. 28, Al Lindsay, chairman of the county's Republican committee, asked the governor to fill the county's empty seat with Robinson until the election. Even if appointed, Robinson would still have to win the seat in November's election.

Vanasdale said she is focused on making positive change in the county's court system.

“I also want the opportunity to serve and show others that anything is possible with hard work, determination and support,” Vanasdale said.

Jennifer Gilliland Vanasdale