By ELGIN JONES
EJones@SFLTimes.comDAVIE- Incumbent Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti has been defeated by his Democratic opponent Scott Israel.
The hard fought contest ended around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, without Lamberti ever conceding, though it wouldn’t be necessary.
According to official election results, Israel had a 53.31 percent to Lamberti’s 46.69 percent with 100 percent of precincts reporting.
Israel took it upon himself to acknowledge the victory in front of friends and supporters in Davie.
"We've only fought half the battle,'' he told the crowd. "Now we've got to go over there, and we've got to serve Broward County.''
Lamberti and Israel ran against each other in 2008, with Lamberti winning by less than one percentage point. He became the only Republican to hold countywide elective office in Broward.
Israel, 56, of Parkland, said he will bring new leadership, diversity and accountability to the agency. His focus will be preventing youth delinquency and jailing the homeless for minor offenses.
Lamberti, a 30-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, was criticized for not debating Israel and refusing to appear at candidate forums held in the black community. Lamberti touted his record on cracking down on prescription drug mills, identity theft and violent crimes.
Israel said he is now looking forward to the transition.
*Sheriff-Elect Scott Israel, left, and Incumbent Sheriff Al Lamberti.
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