Warren County voters elected Martin Pace to his sixth term as sheriff Tuesday by a huge margin.

Pace, an Independent candidate, earned 8,729 votes to closest challenger Lionel Johnson, a Democrat, who received 2,041 votes. Republican candidate Leon Kennedy received 546 votes.

“I’m just honored and humbled that the public has entrusted their families’ safety to me. It is a responsibility that I have never taken lightly. And my pledge is that I will continue to be the sheriff for every citizen of this county, regardless of who you voted for or supported,” Pace said Tuesday night. He made no statement until all 22 precincts had reported their votes.

“Warren County is without question one of the best communities in this state to live in and I am honored to continue to serve,” he said.

Reacting to his defeat, Johnson said, “All I can do is respect (the voters’) wishes.”

He said his aim was to get out “the facts” about the state of law enforcement in Warren County.

“I wish Sheriff Pace the best,” Johnson said.