Incumbent Kevin Davis won the Republican nomination for sheriff of Chilton County on Tuesday, ending John Shearon’s surprisingly strong campaign.

Davis amassed 4,083 votes in Tuesday’s runoff to Shearon’s 3,815.

“It’s like a roller coaster ride,” said Davis of campaigning. “One day you’re on top of the mountain; the next day you’re in the valley.”

Davis will face Democratic nominee Terry Wilson in November’s general election.

Shearon earned a spot in the runoff by edging Billy Wayne Fulmer, who served as sheriff before Davis, in the June primary.

“I just want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart,” Shearon said. “I’ve gotten more support from everybody than I could have dreamed.

Shearon said he planned to run for office again, but Davis’ concerns were more pressing. He said the number of voters who sided with Shearon shows Davis what he needs to do before November.

“There’s still work to be done,” said Davis, surrounded in his office in the Chilton County Courthouse by family, friends and employees. “I’ll never be satisfied as sheriff until we have the full confidence of everybody we serve.”