Luck of the draw lands candidate back in race

News9.com

WATONGA, Okla. - The race for Republican candidate for the Blain County Sheriff ended Tuesday after a recount and draw, naming Incumbent Sheriff Rick Ainsworth as the winner.

"I knew it would be close," Ainsworth said. "I didn't think it would come down to this."

Ainsworth tied with challenger Tony Almaguer after a recount affirmed the two candidates received 451 votes each.

"I didn't think it would be this close," Almaguer said. "Never dreamed it would be a tie."

Oklahoma law states the election had to be settled with a drawing.

"It hasn't been a county or statewide tie for 25 years," said Election Secretary Jane Crawford. "We made history today."

Blaine County Election Board officials submitted both candidates' names into a hat to draw the winner's name.

Ainsworth's name was drawn.

"I just happened to be the lucky one today," Ainsworth said.

He will face Democrat Travis Daugherty in November.