Steve Lawson was ahead of Sheriff Eric Watson in Bradley County after early voting totals and win on to the claim the victory.
He will be sworn into office in September.
It was:
Steve Lawson 8,179
Eric Watson 7,014
Former Sheriff's Captain Lawson had 54.66 percent of the early vote, then stayed ahead as the precincts came in.
Sheriff Watson, a former state legislator, was indicted on several car title charges, but the state later declined to prosecute. There was controversy about his wife being a bonding agent and allegedly getting preferential treatment at the jail.
The winner of the Republican primary will be sheriff for the next four years since there is no Democratic candidate.
In County Commission races, Tim Mason handily defeated outspoken incumbent Dan Rawls. He had been a leading critic of Sheriff Watson and instigated the charges against him.
Other newcomers to the commission will be Dennis Epperson, Erica Davis and Kevin Ray. Ms. Davis topped incumbent Robert Rominger.
Gayla Miller won re-election as Circuit Court clerk.
County Commission
District 1, Seat A
Dennis Epperson 1,387
Rick Bise 1,262
District 3, Seat B
Charlotte Peak 1,467
Alex Morrow 591
District 5, Seat A
Bobby Goins 675
Jerry Cross 289
District 6, Seat A
Tim Mason 1,816
Dan Rawls 639
District 6, Seat B
Erica Davis 1,233
Robert Rominger 692
Tommy Ledford 468
District 7, Seat A
Kevin Ray 1,110
Joshua Rogers 666
Circuit Court Clerk
Gayla Miller 11,305
Jeff Young 2,901
Click here for the complete election results.