Sheriff Chris Curry soundly defeated Democratic challenger Charlie O. Loyd in Tuesday’s general election to earn a second term as Shelby County’s top lawman.

With 75 of 76 boxes counted, Curry had earned 38,605 votes or 81 percent of the vote. Loyd received 8,760 votes or 18 percent of ballots cast.

Curry also handily won the Republican primary in June against Jim Walters. Loyd had no competition in his party’s primary.

Education Board

Incumbent Steve Martin was chosen Tuesday to serve a fourth term as a member of the Shelby County Board of Education.

In the Place 2 election, Martin beat out Democratic opponent Clovia Wheeler by a 3-to-1 margin. With 75 of 76 precincts reporting, Martin had earned 36,012 votes (77 percent) to Wheeler’s 10,556 (23 percent).

Martin coasted to victory in June over GOP challenger Bragan B. Patterson. Wheeler’s Democratic seat was uncontested in the primaries.

Martin has been the school board’s vice-president for nine years.

Senate, District 16

Republican James T. “Jabo” Waggoner will continue to make history, as one of Alabama’s longest serving state legislators.

With all the ballots counted, Waggoner defeated Democratic hopeful Russ Parker Tuesday for Alabama’s 16th Senate District. Waggoner garnered 34,176 marks (78 percent) to Parker’s 9,783 (22 percent).

In Shelby County, Waggoner received even more support, gathering 81 percent of votes cast.

District 16th is located partly in Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Waggoner has been involved in state politics since he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1966. He ran unopposed in June.

House, District 42

Democrat Jim Martin was re-elected Tuesday to a third term as representative for Alabama’s 42nd House District.

With 22 of 23 boxes counted, Martin edged out GOP challenger Allen Caton by 2,900 votes. Martin earned 7,943 (61 percent) votes to Caton’s 5,059 (39 percent).

Alabama House 42 is located in both Shelby and Chilton counties.

In Shelby County, Martin gathered 526 votes to Caton’s 337.

Both candidates ran without contest in the primaries.