On a night when more Republicans won in Boyle County than ever before, Republican Chris Herron defeated incumbent Democrat Lynne Dean to become the next county attorney. The unofficial vote totals were 5,983 for Herron and 4,659 for Dean.

“You win when you put in the work, go knock on the doors and you’re nice to people, and you treat everyone fairly,” Herron said.

Herron had spent much of the night at a Republican gathering, but headed to the courthouse to view the numbers “on the big screen.”

“My slogan was balancing the scales of justice. Regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status … I put people first, above party, and I think that’s what won it for me,” he said. “All parties came out for me tonight, and that was amazing. I’m very happy, and kind of speechless.”

Herron said he is also happy to go spend some time with his family, now that the campaigning is over.

“I feel like I’ve neglected them … They knocked on doors with me, my wife really stood up for me. My two daughters campaigned with me. One of my hardest campaign workers was Myrna Herron, my mother — she was bigtime help to me. So many people believed in me. I’m speechless.”

Herron said even though he had been told by some he was the front-runner, he still tried to work as if he was always 10 points down. “All the way to the end. Even yesterday, the day before election, I knocked on 100 homes.”

“Of course I’m disappointed,” Dean said. She was just leaving the courthouse after the final vote. “I have devoted my career to this office.”

But, she said, the voters have spoken, and it’s time for her to move on.

“I have to trust that this is what is in the plan for me. I’m heading home now, hoping to get to see my children before they’re in bed.” And that’s one bright light in all of this, she said — more time with her children.

“I have a demanding job — which is still my job until the end of the year. My husband has a demanding career, throw a full campaign on top of that and we’ve been missing out on family for a bit. I’m ready to spend some time with them and regroup.”

However, Dean says Boyle County has not seen the last of her. “A law degree is a good thing to have. I’m going to focus on making sure that the office is in good shape. I talked to my opponent and congratulated him, and told him we should spend the next few days catching up with our families and then get together next week and discuss how to best proceed, for the best interest of the county.”

Dean said she loves the county attorney’s office.

“I love Boyle County, and I want us to be able to continue the success we’ve had in the office. I’ll work hard to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible. I want him to be successful, and I’ll help him in any way I can. I think my opponent feels the same way. Now I’m going to go home and hug my babies.”