Sheriff Mike Scott

In a race that was essentially over before the Election Day Republican primary ballots were counted, Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott won reelection in a landslide vote over challenger Stephanie Eller.

The substantial margin of victory for Scott came in at 85.15 percent of the vote to 14.85 percent for Eller. That translates to 63,152 votes to 11,007 votes with all 127 precincts reported.

Scott, 53, advances to the November general election to face non-partisan challenger James Didio.

Scott is seeking his fourth term as sheriff. He was first elected in 2004 then reelected in 2008 and 2012 also by wide margins. He has been with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department for 28 consecutive years.

The Lee County native currently resides in North Fort Myers with his wife where they raised two children, now adults on their own.

“I’m very pleased with the final results,” said Scott. “I think the voters reaffirmed the work of the Sheriff’s Office and support our efforts and good work.”

Scott said before the election that he loves Southwest Florida and does not take his job for granted.

Scott negotiated the department through tough economic times while trying to maintain staff morale and the level of service without being able to hire or purchase new equipment.

Eller, 57, served 15 years with the Sheriff’s Office before resigning to run against Scott. Also a North Fort Myers resident, she ran on a five-point plan to cut the fat from the top of the ranks, put more boots on the ground, target high crime, fiscally responsible spending and a reduction in employee turnover.

“I’m proud of our campaign and the work of my supporters,” said Eller. “What went wrong, I guess I’ll chalk it up to a lack of experience. I’m also disappointed that the citizens will not get to see me implement my five-point plan.”

Eller said she ran into people on Tuesday that did not know that it was election day.