It looks like Ross Teeple really was for the people. Or they at least liked his catchy campaign slogan and endorsement from the well-liked outgoing sheriff, Mark Lamb.

Although results are still trickling in two-and-a-half hours after the polls officially closed, Teeple (R-Cactus Forest) was leading opponent Patrick Melvin (D-Maricopa) in the race to become Pinal County’s next top cop by 23 points at 10:30 p.m. 

InMaricopa has projected Teeple the winner.

More than 61% — or 83,951 voters — filled in the ‘Teeple’ bubble on their ballot. Melvin has so far received 52,569 votes. 

“I’m humbled by our big election win and I’m eager for this opportunity to serve as your sheriff,” Teeple told InMaricopa moments ago. “My focus is on improving and delivering professional law enforcement and public safety.”

Melvin, who served as Maricopa’s first police chief between 2006 and 2010, did not respond to a request for comment.

In the weeks following the primary election, the two candidates sniped back and forth in op-eds and during campaign appearances. Each candidate has accused the other of lacking the experience needed to become county sheriff, but both statements are theoretically incorrect.

Despite several resignations, Melvin does have more leadership experience with short stints as police chief, commander and CEO in multiple cities. Teeple, meanwhile, spent 17 years rising through the ranks of PCSO, eventually being promoted to lieutenant.

Frankly, neither candidate lacked experience. But it was Teeple, in the end, who won.