Kevin McCook has won the race for Jackson County Sheriff, defeating three other Republican challengers.
No Democrat candidate qualified for the race, meaning McCook's win in Tuesday night's Republican primary effectively earns him the position. He will replace current Sheriff Janis Mangum, who is retiring at the end of 2024.
McCook has served as a deputy in the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. He was involved in a controversy in October involving one of his opponents, Dale Dillow, who also worked in the sheriff's office.
Dillow was fired after Mangum said he had entered McCook's office. Dillow reportedly denied that his actions at the time were politically motivated.
McCook won just over 64% of Tuesday's vote, with Dillow finishing second in the race at just over 16%. Chris Nichols won 10.7% of the vote, with Ken Harmon receiving 8.7%.
