Republican Sharon Holmes won her bid for the DeKalb County Clerk position Tuesday night.

The voters chose Holmes with a total of 11,518 votes, while casting 8,638 for Democrat opponent Susan Johnson.

“I’m real appreciative of all the people who helped me and all those who voted for me, and I promise I won’t let them down,” Holmes said. “I’m looking forward to tackling this phase of my career.”

Workers at Democrat headquarters could not reach Johnson for comment Tuesday night.

Holmes and Johnson both campaigned they had the ability and experience to handle the position of County Clerk.

Campaign issues focused on the question of splitting the positions of County Clerk and County Recorder and forming DeKalb County’s own computer system, which now is linked with Kane County.

The candidates claimed they could handle both positions and that splitting the offices would not be necessary. They also agreed that updating the computer system is a good idea.

Holmes said she has the “administrative and budgeting experience to handle the job.” She said her experience with state agencies allows her to better handle the demands of the office.

“I have the knowledge and ability to administer all facets of the office,” said Johnson in response. “I have worked on a larger variety of responsibilities than my opponent at the office,” she added.

Holmes and Johnson both have held the position of DeKalb County Chief Deputy, a job Holmes must now vacate to replace outgoing clerk Terry Desmond. Johnson now is the manager of American Title Insurance Agency.