Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, whose messy split from an ex-boyfriend ended his campaign for US Congress, has easily fended off three challengers in the Republican primary in his bid to retain his current job.

Babeu received 61 percent of the 11,208 votes cast. He will next face Democrat Kevin Taylor of Maricopa and independent Ty Morgan of Florence in the November 6 general election.

Babeu was first elected sheriff in 2008 and was a rising Republican star on a national level and was even chairman the Mitt Romney's presidential effort in Arizona.