Mike Williams was elected sheriff over Ken Jefferson, the two survivors of the seven-candidate First Election.
Republican Williams and Democrat Jefferson, both former Jacksonville police officers, split the early and by-mail votes. Jefferson earned more early voters and Williams won the contest among those who mailed in their ballots.
But Tuesday when voters went to the polls to cement the final tally, Williams took a slim early lead and never looked back.
When all votes were counted, he was the overall choice by about 6,000 votes out of more than 200,000 ballots.
A 23-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Williams retired in 2014 as director of patrol and enforcement, where he managed the department’s more than 1,000 sworn officers.
While in uniform, Williams worked the Downtown beat, led the office’s SWAT Team and served as director of Investigations and Homeland Security.
In accepting his victory, Williams thanked not only his supporters, but also those who voted for Jefferson.
Williams reached out to his opponent, saying that there is “room for all ideas” when it comes to facing Jacksonville’s public safety challenges.
He also mentioned one of his most visible supporters, Sheriff John Rutherford. Williams described his predecessor as a friend and teacher.
His first order of business as sheriff-elect will be to establish a transition team.
He said he then he plans to mount a war on illegal drugs in the community, citing the role the drug trade plays in all areas of crime.
Williams also pledged to run a transparent department and serve as an example for all police officers and members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
“We hold ourselves — all of us — accountable to the taxpayers,” he said.
Tuesday’s result marked Jefferson’s second defeat in his attempt to become sheriff — he lost to Rutherford four years ago.
He said he ended the latest campaign with no regrets and “it’s the will of the people.”
@DRMaxDowntown
(904) 356-2466