KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Adair County Sheriff Robert "Bob" Hardwick is celebrating Wednesday. He's now the Republican candidate for Adair County Sheriff. He beat Jason Lene, a deputy with the Adair County Sheriff's Office, by a total of 122 votes, bringing Hardwick's total vote count to 1,950.

Hardwick said the campaign thus far has been a humbling experience.

"It's like running in a race or playing a ball game or sporting event," said Hardwick.   "You work so hard to get to that point and then the community turns out and supports you. That's a very good feeling."

Hardwick will now face democratic candidate and former Adair County Chief Deputy Larry Logston in the general election on Nov. 6.