Sheriff Larry Smith, center, looks at early voting numbers as they came in during his election night watch party at Cici’s Pizza on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (Cory McCoy/Staff)

Incumbent Larry Smith secured the Republican nomination for Smith County Sheriff Tuesday night

Smith led with 23,058 votes, or 60.61 percent, against opponent Chris Green’s 14,985 votes, or 39.39 percent, according to complete but unofficials returns. 

Smith faced Green in a runoff election in 2012 before winning the office. Smith now will face Democrat Gary Pinkerton in the November general election. Pinkerton is a former jail administrator and chief deputy for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

Pinkerton was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

“Going forward, I expect to run a nice, clean campaign. This is a race not so much about Republican or Democrat,” Pinkerton said. “The laws are already written, so our job will be to enforce the laws of Smith County, and if I’m elected, that’s what I’ll do.”

Smith said he has focused on continuing to raise the bar for the department.

“It’s not over with yet,” Smith said at his watch party, following the release of early voting returns. “I feel good. I’ve always thought we were doing the right thing and in touch with the citizens of Smith County, and the deciding factor is if they want more of what they’ve seen over the last three years.

“I hope they do, because we’ve got more to come, as I’ve said many times, we’re not ever going to be satisfied with the status quo or mediocrity from their Smith County Sheriff’s Office,” he added.

As final numbers came in, Smith recognized his employees and supporters for their contribution to his success as sheriff.

“I’m proud of the employees of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and I’m proud of my loyal supporters,” Smith said. “I have some of the finest employees and supporters anyone could hope to have. I’m also proud of the voters of Smith County for seeing through the minutia.”

Green was not available for comment Tuesday night.

Twitter: @TMT_Cory