CANTON, GA -- The buzz surrounding the May 24 primary election reached its peak Tuesday evening as Cherokee County citizens gathered in front of their screens and around restaurant tables to view the results as they poured in.

And those results show Frank Reynolds will become the county's next sheriff, according to unofficial numbers provided by the Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration Office. Reynolds won the race with 69 percent, or 15,144 votes. He's followed by challengers David Waters at 15 percent or 3,341 votes; Chip McCarthy at 10 percent or 2,178 votes; and Jeff Donley at 6 percent or 1,287 votes.

"I'm very honored and humbled," Reynolds said Tuesday evening by phone. "It's been a team effort." Reynolds also said the vision he laid out over the course of the campaign and his desire to continue the quality law enforcement policing in Cherokee County resonated with voters.

He also commended the three fellow challengers who also sought the office of sheriff. "They ran great campaigns," he added. "They should be commended for their years of law enforcement service whether...here in Cherokee County or somewhere else. They should be commended for their hard work and their desire to make Cherokee County better."

Reynolds also said he would be open to meeting and brainstorming with his challengers to come up with ways to make the community an even better place to live.

One multi-candidate race -- County Commission District 3 -- won't be so lucky in avoiding a runoff. Candidate Jack Staver is leading the race with 30 percent or 1,348 votes. Bob Kovacs follows extremely close behind with 29 percent or 1,333 votes; Benny Carter at 23 percent or 1,057 votes; and Presley White at 17 percent or 790 votes.

Jim Hubbard's bid to regain his old seat on the Cherokee County Commission does not appear to be successful, as Ray Gunnin has held on to the District 2 seat. Gunnin is leading the race with 56 percent or 3,068 votes compared to Hubbard's 44 percent or 2,431 votes.