WHITEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The men battling over a North Carolina sheriff's seat have called a cease-fire, jointly deciding neither will be sheriff until state officials certify the election.

Republican candidate Jody Greene led Democratic incumbent Lewis Hatcher by 40 votes in unofficial results from November's election. Several voters appealed to the state elections board, citing voting difficulties and questions about Greene's residency.

The race is also connected to the ballot fraud investigation in the country's last unresolved congressional race. The political operative at the center of that investigation worked for both the Republican candidate in North Carolina's 9th District and Greene.

Despite no resolution, Greene took office in December. Per Wednesday's settlement, news outlets report a sheriff's captain is temporarily replacing Greene, while Hatcher dismissed a lawsuit that sought to recognize his authority.