Posted 12:02 a.m. CST

With all 143 precincts reporting, Republican Troy Nehls defeated Democratic opponent Michael Ellison 117,374 - 97,742, or 54.56 percent, in the race for Fort Bend County sheriff, according to unofficial results.

Nehls, the former Precinct 4 constable, will replace retiring Sheriff Milton Wright. He earned the chance to run for office during the Republican Primary in May when he took 54 percent of the vote in a four-way race, handily defeating Chief Deputy Craig Brady, who campaigned extensively for the seat and had Wright's endorsement.

"I feel wonderful. It's an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Fort Bend County as their sheriff," Nehls said.

Ellison ran unopposed in the Democratic Primary. He is a 26-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and resides in Sugar Land. A year ago he was shot twice in a shootout with bank robbers at a Wells Fargo branch in a Sugar Land Randall's Supermarket.

Nehls, 44, was elected twice as Precinct 4 Constable. A 21-year veteran, Nehls was awarded two Bronze Stars and did combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq before retiring from the U.S. Army as a Major in 2009. During his service, he was also deployed to Bosnia.

Fort Bend County District Attorney

In the district attorney race, Roy Cordes Jr., a Republican, beat Democratic challenger M.E. "Skip" Belt 115,758 - 97,604, or 54.25 percent, Tuesday night, according to unofficial results.

Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector

For Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector, Republican incumbent Patsy Schultz defeated Democratic challenger Jesse Torres 121,611 -93,924, or 56.42 percent, according to unofficial results.