Republican John Garcia is preparing to take the reins as Erie County sheriff next year.

Garcia is a Spanish-American law enforcement professional with more than 25 years of experience. He won the general election with 46.4% of the vote. His Democratic opponent, Kim Beaty, received 43.8% of the vote. Other votes were cast for Ted DiNoto, Karen Healy-Case and write-ins, according to the Erie County Board of Elections.

He was initially a Democrat, but switched parties to Republican, citing differing opinions on issues like defunding the police.

Garcia's campaign focused on building public trust, improving conditions inside correctional facilities and addressing a surge in gun violence and the ongoing opioid epidemic. 

“People are concerned that their loved ones are going to have interactions with law enforcement, that are suffering from mental wellness from opiate addiction, so they want a sheriff that’s going to be firm but compassionate and empathetic and that’s what we’re going to give them," said Garcia.

Over the next few weeks, Garcia said he will be interviewing people for his office and preparing to step into the new role on Jan. 1, 2022.