NATCHEZ — The race for Adams County sheriff is not over just yet.

Ray Brown, the top vote getter in Tuesday’s special election, will advance to a runoff Nov. 24.

Trailing Brown are Chuck Mayfield and Randy Freeman, who will learn of their runoff eligibility once absentee and affidavit ballots are counted by the end of the week.

Brown received 3,572 votes or 35.99 percent, according to unofficial results.

“I was very pleased with the results, and it was what I expected,” Brown said.

“(This morning), I’ll start getting ready for the run-off.”

Brown said he will continue to spread his campaign message of unity until voters head to the polls once more.

“The message I’d like to get out is let’s make a difference, let’s move this community forward,” Brown said. “That’s what I’ve been saying since I started.”

Mayfield, the second top vote getter with 2,336 votes or 23.54 percent, said he will continue to run on his diverse background and experience in law enforcement.

“I just feel like I have the best qualifications of everybody running and the people of the county see that,” Mayfield said.

“This has been a close race, it’s been a very clean race, and I’m very proud of everybody who has run,” Mayfield added. “I do want to thank all my supporters who voted, and let them know we need their help.”

Freeman, the third top vote getter with 2,242 votes or 22.59 percent, said the absentee ballots will be the deciding factor.

“It’s been a fantastic race and I really enjoyed it. I wish all (the candidates) the best,” Freeman said.

“I know everybody can’t win, but I hope whoever wins takes care of Adams County and runs it the way it should be run.”

Cliff Cox, who came in fourth with 1,189 votes or 11.98 percent, said Tuesday’s election was democracy at its best, and thanked voters for their support.

“I wish everyone good luck that’s in the race,” Cox said. “And we’ll just have to see what the future holds on anything else political.”

As for the remaining candidates, Roosevelt Owens Jr. finished fifth with 268 votes or 2.70 percent.

Craig Godbold finished sixth with 191 votes or 1.92 percent, and Greg Wisner finished seventh with 101 votes or 1.02 percent.

Danny Barber, who withdrew from the race last month, but whose name remained on the ballot, received 22 votes or 0.22 percent.

Complete results are available at: Election results