State Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, is closer to having a new job: Martin County sheriff.

Snyder won a contentious contest on Tuesday against MCSO Major John "Ski" Pietruszewski, and David Dees, a former director of law enforcement for Florida Department of Transportation. 

Snyder must still face a write-in candidate in November before he can officially be declared the winner, replacing longtime Sheriff Robert Crowder, who had announced his retirement before deciding to take on incumbent U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens.

Snyder served as a major under Crowder before being elected to the state House in 2006.