Updated 10:32 p.m.


Wayne Thompson was declared the unofficial winner of the Republican runoff election May 24 for Fort Bend County constable Precinct 3, defeating long-time incumbent Rob Cook by 47 votes.

Thompson led the race for much of the evening, holding a slim lead after absentee and early ballot results were announced. With 30 of 30 precincts unofficially reporting, Thompson garnered 1,293 votes to Cook's 1,246 votes.

Wayne Thompson Wayne Thompson[/caption]

There were no Democratic candidates for the Precinct 3 constable seat, meaning the winner of tonight's Republican primary will run unopposed in November.

"We are tired, but good," Thompson said after unofficial results were posted online. "It's a win for the county. It's a win for the precinct."

Thompson said he is glad to not be facing a challenger in the November election, and he will use the next few months to analyze and assess all facets of the constable's office.

One area that warrants special attention, Thompson said, is the need to cultivate relationships with other Greater Houston area law enforcement agencies, such as county sheriff's departments, local politicians, various city police departments and school district police departments.

"We can't be on an island. We want to be a team player," he said. "We have to work hand in hand with [other agencies.]"

Cook, who has been in office since 1988, sought another term in office based on a platform of experience in leadership and increasing staffing to better conduct public outreach and safety programs. He was unreachable for comment.

Thompson emerged with Cook from a field of four Republican candidates in the March 1 primary election, he is the interim police chief for the city of Shoreacres and said he has not determined a timeline for leaving that job. He campaigned on a platform of increasing the level of interaction between the constable's office and other Greater Houston area law enforcement agencies as well as managing the department's growth.

All results are unofficial until canvassed.