In a political shocker, challenger Robert Jones narrowly defeated incumbent commissioner Bill Newton by 19 votes in Tuesday’s runoff. In a race that came down to final ballot box to be counted.

 Sheriff Billy Wofford also had a close race, but was able to defeated challenger Brian Millsap by 200 votes.

 In the School Board election, voters chose challenger John Trammell over incumbent Shirley Whitaker percent to percent.

 Poll watchers at the courthouse saw the lead change several times between Jones and Newton, with Newton leading with only the Talking Rock votes left to count.

 When those were counted, Jones had cpatured the race by the narrowest margin anyone could remember in Pickens election history.

 Jones, who was on hand at the courthouse, said he was surprised by the turnout, but that voters showed they wanted a change.

 Jones said he thought his stance favoring a special election where voters can decided if the county changes to a multi-man commission was key to his victory.

 “I also think growth and how we sustain it and protect what we have by keeping it manageable was another key issue,” he said.

 Jones thanked everyone who supported him, particularly candidate Andy Robb who lost in the priamary and endorsed his campaign.

 “Now it’s time to get to work,” he said. “I will have a open door policy.”

 Following his close defeat Billy Newton, said he would leave office with a clear conscience, returning to hisconstruction company.

 “I feel like I did a good job for the county,” All we wanted was to work for the county. I hope the next guys will continue to work to improve the county.”

 Newton said he would like to have had the opportunity to fulfill some of the many projects

begun under his administration, including expanding water service.

 “We’ll give them a chance to see what they can do,” he said. “Undoubtably the voters, voted for a change.”

 Newton thanked all his supporters and all the other voters. “That’s what makes a democracy work,” he said.

 An visibly emotional incumbent Sheriff BIlly Wofford hugged numerous supporters, saying they are “like family” following his victory Thursday night.

 He this race, which was both heated and the last one he will run before retiring at the end of this term was the most emotional of his 24 years in office.

 “They can teach you a lot in law enforcement academies, but one thing they can’t teach you is how to be a friend to the people,” Wofford said. “One thing that put me over the top in this election is that as sheriff I try to be a friend to all the people.”

 John Trammell, who won the Post 1 School Board seat in his first foray into politics, said he looking forward to getting to work on the board.

  “IIt’s time we all come together and do what’s best for the schools, the teachers, the students and the taxpayers,” he said. “It’s important for the next four years to make some good sound decisions.”

Trammell said he believed voters chose him because of his background and education. “It was because of my background in banking and finance and involvement over the last 20 years in the community. I didn’t do it for personal gain. I had a lot of good people spreading the word.”

 Elections Supervisor Kim Kelley said she had confidence in the electronic voting machine even with the close results.

 “I think the results won’t change even if they do a recount,” she said.