Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Stuart James said Democrat Billy Long won the sheriff's office by outworking incumbent John Cupp and waging a better campaign.
Mr. James said, "Billy Long was out in the district and going door to door. He appealed to many swing voters."
He added, "Sheriff Cupp did not run that good of a campaign. He did not do direct mailing and he didn't do TV."
Mr. James said, "This is a prime example of how well a Democrat can do in Hamilton County. Billy Long won despite the fact that Republican Bob Corker pulled so many votes."
Mr. Long, who will take the sheriff reins in September, was a lieutenant in the sheriff's department when he retired just prior to the campaign.