Voters picked Republicans Ron Stevens and Susan Mallery to lead Schoharie County’s law enforcement in voting Tuesday.
Running for sheriff, Mr. Stevens defeated Democrat Tony Desmond, the incumbent, 5,054 to 3,933.
Ms. Mallery won the district attorney’s post by a similar margin, downing Democrat Shawn Smith 5,130 to 3, 897. Ms. Mallery will replace longtime DA Jim Sacket, who is retiring.
All totals are unofficial.
Although results in many towns were close, Mr. Stevens won wide margins in Cobleskill, 865 to 563, Middleburgh, 639 to 442, and Schoharie, 618 to 358.
“I’d like to thank all the voters, whether they supported me or not,” Mr. Stevens said Tuesday night.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Schoharie County, and I’ll do the best job I can.”
Ms. Mallery ran well in her hometown of Cobleskill, 866 to 576, and also in the Valley, winning in Schoharie 559 to 410, and in Middleburgh, 608 to 465.
“It was a great team effort,” Ms. Mallery said. “Good old campaigning and a grass roots effort made the difference. I thank everyone who came out to vote.”
Chris Tague, the county Republican Party chairman, said the experience of the two GOP candidates made a difference in the races.
After a long career with the State Police, Mr. Stevens has been county undersheriff for eight years. Ms. Mallery as been an assistant DA in the county for nearly 20 years.
“Their records speak for themselves,” Mr. Tague said. “We ran a hard campaign, and the people picked the candidates they want to protect them in law enforcement.
“Ron will move that office forward, and Susan is known around the state as a tough prosecutor.”
Mr. Tague also praised Sheriff Desmond, who won re-election on the Republican ticket four years ago.
“Tony’s had a great career and did a great job for Schoharie County,” Mr. Tague said. “We wish him the best.
“And Shawn ran a great campaign, too. I’m sure we’ll be hearing from that young man in the future.”