Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario was headed for reelection in a landslide victory over write-in challenger Paramroop Khalsa Tuesday night.

The incumbent Republican garnered over 95 percent of the vote.

“First, I’d like to thank the residents of Garfield County for having the confidence in me to elect me to my fifth term as their Sheriff. It validates that most folks are happy with the Sheriff’s Office and the services we provide. As always, I’ll strive to do my best to lead the Sheriff’s Office for the next four years,” Vallario told the Post Independent.

Vallario’s opponent, Khalsa, faced a rocky, uphill battle to say the least in his campaign to unseat Vallario.

In addition to being a write-in candidate, Khalsa also had no previous law enforcement experience. Khalsa, as of 8:45 p.m., had earned a little under 600 votes to Vallario’s 11,000 plus.

“Several sheriffs across the state are faced with the same circumstance. This is very troubling to us, and should be troubling to our constituency because law enforcement is a profession, and being a successful sheriff requires years of experience in all aspects of that profession,” Vallario said. “I’m glad the residents of Garfield County agree.”

“Again, I thank you for your support and I will do all that I can to provide you with the utmost professional law enforcement possible,” Vallario added.

Khalsa did not reply to the Post Independent’s request for a statement.