When Pike County’s 34^th box reported in Tuesday’s general election, it was all over but the shouting for Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas.

Shouts erupted in the sheriff’s office and there were hugs and high-fives and slaps on the back as office employees, family and friends congratulated Thomas on the landslide victory over Republican challenger Jason Youngblood. Thomas led with 6,913 votes to Youngblood’s 2,204.

Actually, the race had been in the bag for some time as Thomas won box after box. But, when he won the final box, the victory was complete.

“Thirty-four of 34,” Thomas said excitedly as he raised his hand in triumph.  “Twenty years ago, I won every box in the county and this time it was 34-34 again. My name was on the ballot but the success belongs to everyone in this room. To all of those who put signs in their yards and those who walked the streets in support of me, to those who gave time and the money to the campaign. This victory belongs to all of those.”

Youngblood, Republican nominee for sheriff, remained upbeat on Tuesday evening.

“I want to tell (Sheriff Thomas) congratulations on a well-earned win,” Youngblood said.

Youngblood, a political newcomer, said running against a 20-year incumbent was an educational experience. “I learned a lot as a newcomer,” he said. “I’ve never been a politician and don’t that I am one now.”

But, he said, “It’s never bad to have an election. These elections we have every four years are for the good of our country, our community … everybody has made this so personal and it’s really not. It’s just politics.”

Youngblood said he hoped that the campaign raised awareness and issues for the community to consider. “I hope we’ll make a better future for Pike County because of this,” he said.

And, he reiterated the fact that he and Thomas shared a common goal: the future of Pike County. “We had some fundamental disagreements, but we’re both out her for the same thing,” Youngblood said. “We’ve dedicated our lives to public safety, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

Thomas said he did not buy into a negative campaign.

“I ran a clean campaign. I ran the campaign with honesty and integrity,” he said. “Maybe this will send the message that’s the way politics should be. Tell voters what you have done and what you will do. That’s what they want to hear.”

Winning the election the way he did was humbling, Thomas said. “Being sheriff is a tough job but campaigning is harder.”

Thomas pulled off his shoes and showed the holes he had worn in both.

“People told me I should get new shoes but I would trade them in, just like I won’t trade my old friends for new ones. Just like these shoes, I stick with the people who stick with me.”

Thomas said he would continue to run the Pike County Sheriff’s Department positively and on point. “This department is run with honesty and integrity and we are dedicated to providing the best service for all Pike County citizens,” he said. “We have an open door policy and we’re here to serve the people in Pike County – in all of Pike County.”

Thomas asked that the victory celebration be closed with prayer.

“If it had not been for the Good Lord, I would not be in the position I am today,” he said. “I am so thankful to Him for this opportunity to continue to serve.”

In other Pike County races, incumbent Revenue Commissioner Curtis Blair defeated Republican challenger Jerome “Bo” Weed 6,015 to 3,069 votes.

Blair was humbled and thankful on Tuesday night. “I’m proud the people supported me and I want to thank everyone who did,” he said. “I promise to do a good job for all of them.”

Blair, whose wife passed away this weekend, said he had been humbled by the support of the community. “People are mighty good to me and I appreciate it.”

Blair was humbled and thankful on Tuesday night. “I’m proud the people supported me and I want to thank everyone who did,” he said. “I promise to do a good job for all of them.”

Blair, whose wife passed away this weekend, said he had been humbled by the support of the community. “People are mighty good to me and I appreciate it.”

Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen said the election ran smoothly, although voter turnout was lower than expected. “We had 500 fewer ballots cast than four years ago,” he said.

In Tuesday’s, 9,206 ballots were cast, compared to 9,785 four years ago.