In the midst of a crowd of cheering family, friends, and supporters, Harris

Huffman emerged as the victor in the race for Dallas County Sheriff –

making it to his third term in office Tuesday.

Huffman walked away with 64 percent of the vote – with 7,531 unofficial votes – beating opponent Michael Perry’s 35 percent

(4,099 unofficial votes). Ulysses Ratcliffe came in third place with 220 votes.

A serene and humbled Huffman took the podium at the Carl Morgan

Convention Center around 8 p.m., saying to well-wishers, “If you haven’t heard, we won.”

Supporters cheered as Huffman looked over the crowd and thanked them for withstanding the sweltering temperatures and coming out and voting for him.

“I’m very humbled by everybody’s support. I see some of you have

blistered from the 90-degree heat and I thank everybody who stayed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the polls,” Huffman said. “Being re-elected gives me another chance to make further changes for the next four years. &uot;Winning hasn’t changed me. I’m going to be the same sheriff tonight and the same sheriff for the next four years&uot;, Huffman said.

The crowd gave Huffman a standing ovation as he left the podium.

Several sheriff’s deputies and city and county officials were on hand at Huffman’s victory party. Many said they knew he would win.

Before the final boxes were counted, Huffman gave credit to a “strong sheriff’s department” for his re-election.

“It’s been a long, hard race and I think the people of Selma and Dallas

County have spoken,” Huffman said.

Michael Perry did not make a concession speech, but did contact The

Times-Journal.

“I feel that the people of Dallas County have made their choice, which they are satisfied with the service of sheriff Harris Huffman. I’d like to thank all of my supporters. I’d like to congratulate Huffman on his third term in office,” Perry said. “The question will probably be will I run again and the answer to that is yes.&uot;

He said with this being his first time running for sheriff, he was stunned with the number of votes he received.

Perry, who took a leave of absence from the Selma Police Department, said he will return to work June 17. As for a possible shot as assistant chief of the Selma Police Department, Perry said that’s up to the city council. “I haven’t had time to focus on that.”