The results of the Republican primary runoff election Tuesday proved positive for Larry Short in the Precinct 2 constable race.

Short defeated Mike Andrews 539 to 396. He captured 57.6 percent of the votes cast.

Larry Short

“I was very pleased that the voters believed in me and had confidence in me to perform the task,” Short said of the results.

Andrews made some gains from the May 29 primary, where he got 20.3 percent of the votes. In that race, Short had 46.5 percent. A candidate must have 50 percent, plus one to win a primary race outright.

With no Democratic candidate, it appears Short can take a rest from campaigning until he assumes office in January.

“We have the November election, but unless we have a write-in candidate, it’s my assumption I’ll be able to start working as constable next year,” Short said.

Short has a long career with law enforcement. He worked for Texas Department of Public Safety as a state trooper for 26 years. He currently works as a private consultant for the Texas Department of Transportation and transportation companies. He advises them on compliance with the rules of the road.

But after a lifetime of enforcing traffic laws, Short said he looks forward to taking on a new role as constable – civil process. One of the primary duties of a constable is serving civil papers for the justice of the peace.

“It’s a new endeavor for me,” he said.

He added that he will make himself seen in the precinct to help protect the community and will be ready to assist law enforcement agencies when needed.

“I’ve told everyone that they will see me,” Short said.

But he’s going to shy away from traffic enforcement, saying he did enough of that during his years as a state trooper.

Short is replacing longtime constable Leonard Denney who chose not to run again this year. Denney’s wife, Angela, ran but was defeated in the primary along with Jackie “J.W.” Johnson.