The election for sheriff of Jefferson County came down to only a few thousand votes.
In the end, incumbent Mark Pettway (D) beat challenger Jared Hudson (R) by 8,363 votes. Pettway had 52% of the votes while Hudson had 48%.
"Go ahead and pray if you want me to win because it's going to take an act of God to make these few thousand votes show up," Hudson said to a crowd of supporters at the Fultondale Event Center Tuesday night.
At the time of Hudson's speech, 92% of precincts had reported results but just minutes after he left the stage, 99% of the votes were in and campaign manager Stephen Nix said those behind Hudson still had hope for change.
"This campaign was not just about a sheriff's race," said Nix. "It was about bringing truth and light to what's out there. We're hoping and praying that beyond tonight the truth will be revealed and people will see the truth. That's our hope and that's our prayer."
Earlier in the evening, Hudson thanked the crowd for their support during his campaign. He said the campaign wasn't about him but about Jesus Christ. He said win, lose or draw, people must have faith.
"God is going to bring about a great victory in Jefferson County tonight, I promise you that," Hudson said. "
Pettway will now have another four-year term as sheriff.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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