ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) — The Republican primary election in Carter County failed to determine a candidate for sheriff.

The race between incumbent Sheriff Chris Bryant and challenger DJ Long ended in a tie. Each candidate received 2,569 votes.

Carter County Election Board staff are reviewing five provisional ballots that could impact the final count, and either candidate can request a recount by 5 p.m. Friday.

But there will be no runoff election because the race involves only two candidates. If the deadlock isn't broken, Oklahoma Statute Title 26, Section 8-105 directs the election board to select the Republican nominee by a drawing.

"Surprised, of course, but believe in the system," Bryant said. "I want to say thank you to all of my supporters."

"How many times has this happened?" asked Long. "What a crazy thing to have... not a percentage, but the exact number of votes."

If the winner will be determined by a random drawing, the date and time for that event could be determined on Friday.