With 13 precincts reporting, Martin Pace is the projected winner of the Warren County Sheriff’s race.

Pace, an Independent candidate, handily defeated challengers Lionel Johnson, a Democrat, and Leon Kennedy, a Republican.

Johnson said, in reacting to his defeat, that “the people have spoken. All I can do is respect their wishes.”

Johnson said he tried to bring out the fact as to where law enforcement is in Warren County.

“I wish Sheriff Pace the best,” Johnson said.