LABELLE — The Aug. 18 primary election had a 30.04% voter turnout in Hendry County. Of the 18,346 registered voters in Hendry County, 5,511 voted.

In the Hendry County Sheriff Republican primary, Sheriff Steve Whidden received 79.77% of the votes cast to defeat challenger Pete Hedrick with 20.23%.

Also in the sheriff’s race, Hendry County Democrats chose Johnny Jackson, who received 64.22% of the votes to Tico Slagado’s 35.78%.

“I do not have the words to express my gratitude for the support you all have shown me tonight!! All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. To everyone who stood out at the polls in this heat all day, thank you as well. I could not have done this without you!! Hendry County is my home and I’m proud to serve you as Sheriff!! I look forward to your support once again in November. Again, thank you all for your support!!!!,” Steven Whidden said on Facebook.

Whidden will face Jackson and Ricky Garcia, Non-Partisan, in the general election.

In a post on Facebook, Jackson said, “Hendry County…we all weren’t built to be a public speaker. But, whether you’re fit for public speaking or not, you spoke out during early voting and today! Keep letting your vote speak for you. I appreciate your support & well wishes. Don’t stop now, I need you to keep speaking. We have work to do!! Again, thank you, Hendry County. I look forward to your continued support.”

In the Hendry County Commission District 4 Republican primary, Ramon Iglesias received 64.09% of the votes, defeating Michael Atkinson, who received 35.91%.

Ramon Iglesias said, “The win wasn’t a win for Ramon Iglesias, it was a win for team Iglesias. Now on to November and I hope to lead the county to better days.”

Iglesias will run against Cynthia Santana De Las Salas, Democrat, in the General Election on November 3.

In the Hendry County Commission District 1 Universal Primary, Emma Byrd received 54.96%; Samuel Alonzo Simmons received 14.04%; and Eddie Bernard Warren received 30.99%.

In the School Board District 2 race, Paul Samedyke received 65.59% of the votes to defeat Rogelio Mendez who received 34.41%.

“I’ve worked with the children of Hendry County for 35 years, now I’m taking on a new role to help the children more,” Samedyke said of his win.

In the Hendry Hospital Authority Board District 3 race, Tuesday R. Tritt received 56.25% to defeat Keith Richter with 43.75%.