FARMINGTON — Scott Nichols Sr. of New Sharon was elected Franklin County sheriff over incumbent Dennis Pike of Farmington. The unofficial was 8,156 to 7,399.

The only town not reporting results was Avon but with only about 500 residents, it would not be enough to give Pike a fourth term as sheriff. The tally in the other towns produced a difference of 757 votes in Nichols’ favor.

Nichols, 51, will take over as sheriff on Jan. 1. He has about 29 years of law enforcement experience and is retired from Maine State Police after 23 years.

Pike, 74, has served 12 years as sheriff. He has 46 years of law enforcement and hoped to make it 50.

Nichols won in 11 towns while Pike won in 10 towns of Tuesday afternoon.

Nichols won his hometown and took Carrabassett Valley, where he is currently police chief, Coplin Plantation, Dallas Plantation, Eustis, Kingfield, Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation, Strong, Weld and Wilton.

Pike claimed his hometown along with Carthage, Chesterville, Industry, Jay, New Vineyard, Perkins Plantation, Phillips, Sandy River Plantation and Temple.

The closest contest was in Dallas Plantation as Nichols took the lead by one vote, 109-108.

In Wilton, the vote was 1,277-945 in favor of Nichols.

Neither candidate was available for comment Wednesday.

dperry@sunjournal.com