KINGSLAND, Ga. — The results are in for the Camden County Sheriff primary race. Kevin Chaney beat his republican opponent Treavor Readdick by 72%.
Chaney held a watch party Tuesday night at the Outerbanks Bar and Grille in Kingsland. He was surrounded by friends and family when he learned he won the primary.
"I was lost for words. I was like, wow, I've just won the primary election," Chaney said.
Chaney worked for the Camden County Sheriff's Office for more than a decade. He beat Readdick by more than 2,000 votes. They ran on similar platforms calling for more transparency and accountability within the sheriff's office. Chaney believes his law enforcement experience helped him come out on top in this primary race.
"Leadership is the most important thing about that agency that needs to be changed, and get in there and be the leader for the guys and girls there," Chaney said.
Chaney is now looking ahead to the general election in November where he will face his former boss and current sheriff, Jim Proctor. He said his message will remain the same.
“It's time for change, for the agency to go in a different direction and that's what I'm about," Chaney said.
Readdick released a statement Tuesday night. He said he is grateful for the support he received, writing: “While the results may have proved unsuccessful for our campaign, there are no losses tonight for Team Readdick. This campaign has provided lessons learned and will provide opportunities for growth in the future. While I'm disappointed to not continue public service in an elected capacity next year, I am excited to focus my time back on my family and career. I’m grateful to our loyal team of volunteers and voters who believed in our mission.”