Brewton native Heath Jackson will face incumbent Democrat Grover Smith in the November general election for sheriff after easily beating Republican challenger Lloyd Albritton in Tuesday’s primary.

In the District 4 school board race, Democrats Stephanie Agerton and A.G. “Bo” Brantley will face off in a July 13 runoff, while Republican Cindy Jackson beat Monica White Shockley.

Jackson, a political newcomer, is a former agent with the local drug task force and now works in a similar capacity in Pensacola, Fla. He beat Albritton 69.5 percent to 30.5 percent, with all but provisional ballots counted.

“I felt like we ran a good race,” Jackson said at a GOP rally at the Alabama Wing House in Atmore on election night. “It’s a good feeling that the community is ready to be pro-active and that everyone is ready for a safer Escambia County. I was very satisfied with the support and outreach of the community that supported me and backed me. I wish everyone could have an admirable opponent like Lloyd Albritton who ran a clean, strong race.”

Albritton said he would encourage his supporters to back Jackson.

“The people have spoken,” Albritton said. “I express my congratulations to Heath. I will be giving him my full support throughout the general election. I appreciate all of the people who voted for me in the primary.”

Smith, who was at the courthouse as election returns came in, said he was looking forward to the race.

“It will be a good campaign,” he said. “Competition keeps you honest.”

Jackson said he appreciates the support of voters.

“The residents have proven they want someone who is aggressive and will put officers back on the streets,” he said.

Probate Judge Emilie Mims said there were no problems on election day. “Turnout was decent,” she said.

In the District 22 Senate race, Republican Danny Joyner of Brewton was ahead at 11 p.m. with 51 percent of the votes with opponent Jeff Peacock, an Atmore businessman, recording 49 percent with 86 percent of the precincts reporting. The winner of the race will face Democratic incumbent Marc Keahey in November.

As for the Alabama Republican primary for governor was too close to call Tuesday night, but Bradley Byrne garnered the most votes in Escambia County.

In the Democratic primary, local voters followed the statewide trend, picking nominee Ron Sparks over Artur Davis.

In Escambia County, Byrne had 37 percent of the vote, with Tim James second at 29 percent.

Statewide, with 86 percent of precincts reporting, state Rep. Robert Bentley was leading a narrow race. A runoff looked inevitable, but the race was close among Bentley, Byrne and James.

In other statewide races, Luther Strange beat incumbent Troy King in the attorney general’s race. In the Democratic primary for that office, James Anderson was leading with 49 percent of the vote. Candidates must get over 50 percent to avoid a runoff.

In the race for lieutenant governor, Republican Kay Ivey beat her opponents statewide. She also won Escambia County with 66 percent of the vote. She will face incumbent Democrat Jim Folsom Jr. in the November general election.

In the race for agriculture commissioner, John McMillan and Dorman Grace appeared headed for a runoff, according to early statewide returns. McMillan won Escambia County with 63 percent of the vote.

In the race for state treasurer, Young Boozer won the Republican primary and Charley Grimsley won the Democratic primary in Escambia County. Those results mirrored early statewide returns.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby easily won the Republican nomination, as did U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner.

“I am honored and grateful to have received the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate,” Shelby said in a statement. “I look forward to the general election in November and ask for the continued privilege of serving the great people of Alabama in our nation’s capital.”

Results reflect those counted as of presstime. For more information, visit www.atmoreadvance.com

Publisher Adam Prestridge contributed to this story.