Democrat David Croft narrowly won re-election as Merrimack County Sheriff, fending off a challenge from Republican Frank Cassidy in a race that pitted former coworkers against each other.

Croft, who will serve a third two-year term, captured 52% of 86,000 votes cast in the 27-municipality county.

The race had centered on the candidates’ approach to drug enforcement, as well as Cassidy’s criticisms of how Croft runs the office. 

Cassidy, who previously served as an undercover drug officer under Croft, resigned last year, alleging Croft had fostered a “hostile work environment,” a claim Croft denied.

In dispatching Cassidy, Croft scores a second consecutive victory against a former colleague who took issue with how he runs the office. In 2022, he beat former employee Keith Mitchell after Mitchell alleged Croft mismanaged the department and mishandled sexual harassment complaints, the Monitor reported.

Croft said prior to the election that he plans to continue to emphasize community engagement and diversion as sheriff. He is in the process of certifying his staff in crisis intervention training, which is geared toward interacting with people dealing with mental illness and substance abuse.

He also remains committed to fighting drug trafficking in the county, he said.

Jeremy Margolis can be contacted at jmargolis@cmonitor.com.