Republican Paul Babeu and Democrat Kevin TaylorPINAL COUNTY, AZ (CBS5/AP) -
Republican Paul Babeu has won the Pinal County Sheriff's race.
Babeu called his primary win an amazing victory in a difficult year. He's been plagued by scandal involving a former lover and some racy photos.
Babeu won his first term in 2008, becoming the first Republican ever elected in Pinal County.
His office focuses on border security and cracking down on human and drug smuggling.
Babeu was running for Congress in Arizona's Fourth District, before deciding to run again for sheriff.
Democrat Kevin Taylor was a road deputy for the Erie County Sheriff's Office in Sandusky, Ohio, before moving to Arizona to start his own security company in 1999. He owns Taylor Made Security in Mesa.
Taylor said he'd like to see the PCSO reach out more and get to know the citizens of Pinal County. He said this can be done through things like block watch events, and he thinks developing a stronger relationship with the community would give county residents more faith and confidence in the sheriff's office.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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