The retired Washington Township chief vowed to "earn the trust and support of all of Warren County."
There will be a new sheriff in Warren County.
Retired Washington Township police Chief James McDonald won the Republican primary for the position, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
The three-way race was close with a separation of about 1,000 votes. With 88 of 89 precincts reporting at 10:30 p.m., McDonald had 4,405 votes. Jim Simonetti was close behind with 4,186, and Charlie Makatura had 3,419.
"Jim McDonald would like to thank everyone who supported him and who put their trust in him and he vows to earn the trust and support of all of Warren County," his campaign posted on Facebook shortly after the results were announced.
Barring an independent filing to run or a write-in campaign ahead of the November general election, McDonald is poised to assume the sheriff title from David Gallant, who did not seek re-election. No Democrat declared candidacy.
McDonald's win comes three years after a close loss to Gallant after the 2013 Republican primary.
"I believe that I am the right man for the job," McDonald said when he announced his candidacy, touting three decades of experience in law enforcement.
Retiring chief 'ready for next chapter'
The other candidates also ran on their law enforcement backgrounds.
Simonetti -- no relation to former Sheriff Sal Simonetti -- said that curbing the rise of illegal drug use in rural municipalities would be a top priority. The Frelinghuysen Township resident is the police chief in Roxbury Township, Morris County.
Makatura, a Belvidere councilman, pledged to reduce turnover among sheriff's officers, equip department vehicles to assist in road enforcement and establish a single countywide record management system. The Belvidere High School and Centenary College graduate spent his law enforcement career with the New Jersey State Police.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.