Mellema wins sheriff race – Wise County Messenger

Cary Mellema was convincingly elected Wise County's next sheriff Tuesday night in the Republican primary runoff.

The current PCT. The No. 3 deputy beat Wise County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Craig Johnson 4,864 to 2,876, or 63 to 37 percent.

Mellema garnered nearly 62 percent of the vote in early voting with 3,554 votes, and collected an additional 1,310 votes on Tuesday to seal the victory.

Mellema's priorities as sheriff, according to his campaign website, include: community collaboration; coordinate with local law enforcement agencies; prioritize school safety; protect families; and end human trafficking.

Since announcing his intention to run for sheriff in July, Mellema has received notable endorsements on the campaign trail from conservative voices, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, County Commissioner Texas agriculture leader Sid Miller and former Texas Republican Party Chairman Lt. Col. Allen West.

Mellema, a U.S. Air Force veteran, has nearly 20 years of experience as a law enforcement reservist and served as Rhome's police chief twice. He is also president of GT Products, which manufactures silicone materials.