Incumbent Oklahoma Co. Sheriff Narrowly Beats GOP Challenger

Longtime Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel narrowly beat Republican challenger state Rep. Mike Christian.

With 98 percent of the precincts reported, Whetsel, a Democrat, won with 52 percent of the vote.

Whetsel has been the Oklahoma County sheriff since 1997 and served the Choctaw police chief before that.

Controversy has recently surrounded the sheriff's office after an audit conducted by the state Auditor and Inspector's Office was released. 

10/21/2016 Related Story: Oklahoma Co. Sheriff Responds After Audit Results Released

Christian, a Republican, was a state trooper before being elected to state House of Representatives, representing District 93, in 2008. He opted out of running for reelection and instead made a run for sheriff.

He is known for proposing the use of nitrogen gas for executions.