Chief Deputy Ken Mason of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has won a closely contested race for Kennebec County Sheriff. He won Tuesday’s election with 33,387 votes over the acting sheriff, Ryan Reardon, who received 31,644 votes.

In March, Mason had been tapped by Gov. Paul LePage to succeed Randall Liberty, who left the position to become warden for the State Prison in Warren. County Democrats were asked to submit at least two names for an appointment to run through the end of this year, but submitted only Reardon’s. Then LePage selected Mason, who had submitted his name when the job became vacant in October 2015.

When the nomination appeared headed for the courts, Mason withdrew, and announced he would run as an independent in the general election.

The contest was finally decided when all precincts were reported late Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 9. Mason said Reardon called and congratulated him and said he would work closely with Mason during the transition. Mason, who lives in Readfield, will be taking over on Jan. 1.

Mason has worked with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office since 2005. Prior to that, he served on the Augusta Police Department for 18 years.

Sheriff Todd Brackett said Mason would be missed. “I’m very proud of him,” Brackett said Thursday, Nov. 10. “He worked very hard on this campaign. Ken’s a wonderful friend and asset to the Sheriff’s Office, and we’ll all miss him when he’s gone.” Brackett said the race was a very close one, between two very qualified candidates.