The last race for Chilton County Sheriff was decided by a mere nine votes.

Tuesday’s Republican primary election was almost as close–in the race for participation in a runoff with incumbent Kevin Davis.

Davis was the most popular choice, with 3,425 votes, or 44 percent, but failed to earn the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

“I’m very excited and very happy and honored to get the votes we did get,” Davis said. “I’m positive and upbeat on the future of the Sheriff’s Department.”

Davis took the office from Billy Wayne Fulmer by the slimmest of margins in the 2006 election, but on Tuesday it was John Shearon, running for the office for the first time, handing Fulmer the heartbreak.

“I said it was going to be up to the people, and they voiced their opinion,” Shearon said. “I appreciate what everybody has done for me. We’re just going to work harder and see what July brings.”

Shearon received 2,057 votes, or 26.4 percent, compared to Fulmer’s 2,035 votes, or 26.1 percent.

“I appreciate all the people that supported me,” Fulmer said, “and I’d like to ask all the people that supported me to support John Shearon.”

The runoff will be held July 13.