June 8, 2021 at 10:35 PM NEWARK, NJ — Armando Fontoura is the apparent winner in the Democratic primary race for Essex County Sheriff with more than 75% of the districts reporting. The incumbent holds a commanding lead with 415 of 548 districts reporting, according to unofficial results reported on the Essex County Board of Elections website, Fontoura leads the Democratic candidates with 20,879 votes. Challengers John Arnold Jr. and Barry Jackson trail Fontoura with 4,841 votes and 1,186 votes, respectively. A win for Fontoura would pit him against Nicholas Pansini, the winner in the Republican primary. With 415 of 548 districts reported, Pansini leads with 5,014 votes, while Maureen Edelson received 1,175 votes, according to unofficial results.