ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Mike Fraley defeated incumbent Dexter Lunceford in the Republican primary for Carter County sheriff. 

According to unofficial election results, Fraley defeated two-term incumbent Lunceford and Elizabethton city councilman Kim Birchfield by winning 34.36% of the vote. 

“Everybody kept giving me positive vibes and feedback all day long and, again, it’s still kind of overwhelming that the primaries are over and we came out on top,” Fraley said.

Fraley retired from the sheriff’s office in January 2020 after more than 30 years of service.

Sheriff Lunceford said he was looking forward to a peaceful retirement in an interview with News Channel 11, and expressed frustration with the low turnout.

“I leave the county sheriff’s office in the best shape it’s ever been in, crime rate’s 40% lower than it was when I took office,” Lunceford said. “I have absolutely no regrets.”

He will face independent candidate Rocky Croy in the county general election on August 4.

News Channel 11 is Your Local Election Headquarters. For in-depth coverage of the races and election news, head to the Your Local Election HQ page.