On Sunday morning, officials announced the passing of Warren Judge, 65, a Dare County commissioner and candidate for North Carolina House District 6.

Judge suffered a heart problem last week and was in critical condition in a Virginia hospital for several days before his death.

N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory issued a statement on Sunday: “I was saddened to learn today of the passing of Dare County Commissioner Warren Judge. In his 16 years as a commissioner, he worked tirelessly for his community, including working with me to help make the replacement of the Bonner Bridge a reality. Ann and I offer our prayers to his family during this difficult time.”

Judge began his tenure as a Dare County commissioner in 2000 and owned a restaurant in Nags Head. Judge was active with the Dare County Board of Education and served on the Outer Banks Tourism Board, as well.

The Democratic candidate was vying for Rep. Paul Tine’s seat in the House of Representatives, going head to head with Republican opponent Beverly Boswell. N.C. House District 6 includes Beaufort, Dare, Hyde and Washington counties.

Judge’s name will remain on the ballot, and if he wins the election, the Democratic Party has appointed his wife Tess to fill the position in the House, according to information from the Dare County Democratic Party.

“Tess’s decision was driven by a strong belief that the people of our district deserve to be served the same way Warren would have served them. She wants to help finish the work she and Warren started together more than forty years ago. Tess believes serving Warren’s term is a way to honor his memory should the voters elect him tomorrow,” a statement read.

Boswell offered her condolences to the Judge family: “Warren Judge will be forever known for his honesty, integrity and commitment to public service. While we disagreed often on issues, no one could ever question his commitment to Dare County and his desire to fight for what he believed in. May God give his family comfort in these difficult times. He will be missed.”