In a crowded restaurant in Fulton, a sheriff's candidate stood victorious Tuesday night.
At 8:50 p.m., Clay Chism announced to his crowd of supporters at Brooklyn's Pizza he had won the chance to run as the Republican candidate for Callaway County sheriff in November's general election. Chism received exactly 5,000 votes - 4,202 more than his closest opponent.
"I'm very grateful for all my supporters, my family and fellow law enforcement officers," said Chism, a lieutenant in the sheriff's office. "This has been a team effort since mid-February."
Chism said his campaign strategy will remain the same through to Nov. 8's final determination.
"Our strategy has always been about educating and not making any promises that I know couldn't be fulfilled," he said.
Christopher Hammann, police chief of New Bloomfield, was the runner up in the race with 798 votes.
"I'm disappointed, but it is what it is," he said. "I hope that whoever wins will make the changes needed in Callaway County. We did everything we could do with what we had, and we'll see what the next four years brings."
Steve Anderson, the third Republican candidate, garnered 526 votes. He was not available for comment.
Chism will now face off against M.J. Eberhart, who is running on the Constitution Party ticket. Eberhart said he was spending Tuesday night the same way many Callaway County residents were.
"Tonight, I'm just watching the results like anybody else," he said.
Eberhart, who was a registered Republican for more than 30 years, changed his affiliation to the Constitution Party earlier this year, he said. Running on its ticket, he said, required being screened by party officials.
"They vetted me on the phone for about 45 minutes," he said. "It's all about the constitution and the law with their party."
Although he is running for a different party, Eberhart said his conservative values will clearly trump those of his opponent.
"They're going to face a true Republican in November, which is me," he said.
With thunderous applause in the background, Chism encouraged his supporters to keep up the energy for the next few months.
"We gotta keep our heads up, push forward, and win in November," he said, smiling.