It's been a long road to office for Sheriff-elect James McDonald.
There's a new sheriff in Warren County.
Retired Washington Township police Chief James McDonald, a Republican, won a contested race with independent Joe DeWitt on Election Day by a wide margin, 77 percent to 22.5 percent, according to unofficial results early Wednesday that did not include mail-in or provisional ballots.
Meanwhile in the other major county-level race, the GOP will continue its singular hold on the three-member freeholder board after incumbent Jason Sarnoski won re-election over Democratic challenger Carol Cook, 61 percent to 38 percent.
SHERIFF RACE
James McDonald (Courtesy photo) It's been a long road for McDonald, who won the sheriff title on his third attempt. He previously ran two unsuccessful campaigns against the current sheriff, David Gallant.
After Gallant announced he wouldn't seek re-election, McDonald entered a three-way race in June's primary, eking out a narrow victory.
DeWitt, a retired Independence Township police officer, entered the general election race in the spring as an independent, saying at the time that he wanted voters to have a choice.
Both cited their experience in law enforcement, saying management of the county office would require a seasoned hand as a bail reform measure in New Jersey increases the demands on courts.
FREEHOLDER RACE
Jason Sarnoski (Courtesy photo) Sarnoski cruised to an election night victory that ensured him a third, three-year term.
The current freeholder director touted fiscal responsibility as his platform, including the county's lowest budget in about a decade.
His opponent, Cook, criticized some of those moves, however, including the county's sale of the Warren Haven nursing home.
A proposal to relocate a county library branch was an issue for both candidates: Cook said it showed a disconnect between the freeholders and residents who want to maintain the county's financial relationship with the Phillipsburg library; Sarnoski said it will improve service for county taxpayers.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.