Alabama election results 2010: Heath Taylor wins Sheriff primary showdown

Russell County will have a new sheriff next year for the first time in more than 20 years.

Heath Taylor, Russell County Police chief investigator, won the Democratic primary Tuesday, essentially making him the county’s new sheriff because there is no Republican opposition for the general election in November.

Taylor, who has 23 years of law enforcement experience, will replace current sheriff Tommy Boswell. With 20 of 21 precinct boxes counted, Taylor won 3,579 votes — 67.5 percent — defeating former animal control officer Jeff Gibson, who garnered 1,725 votes, or 32.5 percent.