Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway said his experience and the programs he has in place made the difference in him defeating challenger Jared Hudson during Tuesday’s election.

Pettway, a Democrat, took 52.09% of the vote against Republican challenger Jared Hudson, who got 47.84%, in unofficial election results released Tuesday night.

“Our numbers are good,” the reelected sheriff said during a celebration at the Canvass Center. “The numbers are trending down in the right direction so Jefferson County is safe. We’re doing a very good job. The deputies are all doing a great job throughout Jefferson County. We appreciate the work and we’re proud of the work that they’re doing.”

Pettway cited the Crisis Care Center, which is set to open in a few weeks, as an asset for his department. “That is gonna be a game-changer for everybody here in law enforcement, as well as those that are looking to get treatment.”

Congresswoman Terry Sewell also celebrated at the Canvass Center as she, too, was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives District 7 seat.

“I’m excited that the Democrats went large and it was much better than people anticipated,” Sewell said. “We’re very excited to be here in Jefferson County.”

In other Jefferson County races of note, newcomer Stephanie Floyd, a Democrat, beat out incumbent Republican Donna Pike to take a seat on the Jefferson County Board of Education. Floyd took 62.07% of the vote to Pike’s 37.86%.

On the statewide level, Gov. Kay Ivey claimed another term and Katie Britt was elected to her first term in the U.S. Senate.

Voters also approved an editing and recompilation of the state’s constitution that in part removed defunct racist language that had remained in the 1901 governing document.

Sheriff Focused on Bringing Down Crime

During the campaign, Hudson said crime in Jefferson County had risen to the level of an epidemic. He acknowledged using crime statistics that included the city of Birmingham.

“We are working with Birmingham right now to help them trend their numbers in the right direction,” Pettway said. “We have a specialized team that’s working with Birmingham to help them in the areas in which they need help.”

The reelected sheriff said he would love the opportunity to win the support of those who did not vote for him.

“Believe me that the numbers are trending in the right direction,” he repeated. “We’re doing a great job with great leadership. Regardless of what you may have heard, we’re doing a great job and the numbers, they’re showing that the deputies are doing a phenomenal job and we’re excited about the work that’s been done in the Sheriff’s office.”

Complete election results for statewide and Jefferson County races.