HATTIESBURG (AP) — Forrest County Sheriff Billy McGee, who endeared himself to hundreds of Hurricane Katrina evacuees by seizing two FEMA trucks filled with ice and distributing it to residents, has won re-election.

McGee, a Democrat, defeated Republican Michael L. Saucier in Tuesday’s election.

McGee, 54, has been sheriff for 16 years, and served as constable for 16 years before taking office.

‘‘It is gratifying after 32 years in politics in Forrest County that the people still feel strongly enough to choose me,’’ McGee said.

Shortly after Katrina hit in August 2005, McGee commandeered two 18-wheelers full of ice from Camp Shelby, a Federal Emergency Management Agency staging area, after five days passed with little relief for residents living without electricity in the wake of the deadly storm.

In other sheriff’s races:

— Marion County voters elected a new sheriff for the first time in 16 years. Republican Berkley Hall was elected to succeed Richard ‘‘Rip’’ Stringer, who took office nearly 16 years ago.

— Republican Ben Ford will take over as sheriff in Covington County after defeating Democrat Stann Q. Smith and independent candidate Charles Patterson. Smith beat incumbent Roger Wood Speed in the primary for the Democratic Party nomination.

— In Jones County, Democrat Alex Hodge won the sheriff’s job after defeating Republican Miles Farragut. Hodge defeated incumbent Larry Dykes in the Democratic runoff.

— In Pearl River County, Republican David Allison will be the new sheriff after defeating Democrat Dan McNeill to replace incumbent Joe Stuart who did not seek another term.

— In Perry County, Democrat Jimmy Dale Smith defeated Republican Mike Woodard. Smith defeated incumbent Carlos Herring in the Democratic runoff.

— Forest Police Chief Mike Lee, a Democrat, was elected sheriff in Scott County, defeating independent candidate Raymond Latham. Incumbent Sheriff William S. Richardson did not seek re-election.

— Toby Trowbridge was re-elected sheriff in Madison County. Trowbridge, a Republican, defeated Democrat Hercules Lacey and independent candidate Marc O’Cain. Trowbridge has faced recent criticism over the use of roadblocks in the county and allegations of racial profiling, which he has denied.

— Jim Johnson won a second term as sheriff in Lee County. Johnson, a Democrat, defeated Republican Sam Piraino and independent candidates Marty Rock and Randy White.

— In Pontotoc County, Neal Davis, a Democrat, defeated independent candidates Mickey Puckett and Frankie Daniels. Incumbent Sheriff Leo Mask was defeated in the summer primaries.

— In Monroe County, Democrat Andy Hood beat Republican Bobby Edwards to succeed incumbent Sheriff Ruble Maxey, who did not run for re-election.

— Melvin Brisolara, a Republican, defeated Democrat Anderson D. Hall in Harrison County. Incumbent George Payne Jr. was defeated in the Aug. 7 GOP primary.

— In Jackson County, Incumbent Republican Mike Byrd beat Democratic challenger Jerry C. Watson.



AP-CS-11-07-07 1251EST