PORT LAVACA - The final numbers are in and George Aleman is the new sheriff in in Calhoun County.

"Well, I've been in law enforcement since I was 22 years old, and people have been asking me to run for the last few years. I've been doing this for 37 years, and this is the way I'll go out, doing this job," Aleman said.

He ran beat Republican Troy Baxter.

After more than 15 years with B.B. Browning at the helm, Aleman will take office as sheriff on Jan. 1. Browning is retiring.

Aleman, a Democrat, decided to run after learning that Browning had decided to retire.

Aleman said he was excited to be taking office and grateful to the voters for having confidence in him, he said.

"We're ready. I've got some big boots to fill. Sheriff Browning did a great job for the county, but I'm looking forward to making my own changes and bringing the county up a notch or two in my own way," Aleman said.

• Sheriff

  George Aleman, (D)3,657

  Troy Baxter, (R)2,902

  County Commissioner, pct 1

  Roger Galvan, (D)800

  Wade Wilson, (R)522

  Constable, Pct 3

  Alvin Bland, (D)597

  Bruce Blevins, (R)1,185

  Constable, Pct 4

  Kevin Koliba, (R)758

  Fritz Wilke, (D)435

  Constable, Pct 5

  Nathan O'Neill, (R)449

  Johnny Amador, (D)125