Incumbent Norman Hobson, who has served as coroner for 28 years, bested three-time challenger Wilson “Eddie” Rowell in Tuesday’s election.

Hobson got 59 percent of the votes cast Tuesday,

“I Knew it would be tight,” said Hobson, who enjoyed a wider margin of victory this year than in 2010. “Eddie ran a very good campaign. We were friends before the campaign, we were friends during the campaign, and we’re going to be friends after the campaign. My hat’s off to him for his run.”

Wilson wouldn’t rule out a future run.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Do I want to? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. We’ll just see what God wants me to do.

“I didn’t gain any ground,” he said. “There was low voter turnout, but my gap widened.

“I want to say congratulations to Norman on winning an eighth term,” Rowell said. “I want to say thanks to my family for supporting me and pushing me.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll embark back on an ambulance to serve the people of Covington County,” he said.

Hobson also commended local candidates for their clean campaigns.

“Did not see any of the ugly, negative stuff in local races,” Hobson said.