SINTON, Texas — Incumbent Oscar Rivera claimed the San Patricio Sheriff's Republican primary in a narrow victory over Daniel Lorberau.
Rivera finished with 2,613 votes, compared to 2,539 for Lorberau -- a margin of 74 votes.
Rivera finished with 51 percent, compared to 49 percent for Lorberau.
"It was a close race and I ran against a good friend and a good competitor," Rivera said. "It was a difficult race. We both were in DPS and we both have been several years in this county. But we've got a job to start and a job to finish and a bunch of projects coming up in the next few months that we've got to finish."
Rivera says he plans to bring in an upgraded communications system and a better way to roundup cattle in the area.
Rivera held a narrow 43-41 advantage in absentee voting, and was able to maintain the advantage to the end.
Rivera was appointed to replace veteran sheriff Leroy Moody last March 31, after Moody served for 54 years.
