The election for State’s Attorney was probably decided the day Jamie Dykes publicly announced for the office.

Up against suggestions she might be a “light weight” given her experience prosecuting highly emotional cases in the child advocacy arena, as well as the typical sexist suggestions that a woman couldn’t be strong prosecutor, Dykes, a Republican, gave an announcement speech on the Courthouse Plaza that made obvious her strength, determination and forcefulness.

Those walking away after the conclusion of her August 2017 address were heard to be saying, “Wow.”

That Wow Factor was further made clear at the polls on Tuesday when the wife of a Maryland State Trooper and mother of two boys walloped Seth Mitchell, finishing the election with 18,573 votes, nearly 60 percent of the total vote.

Mitchell, a Democrat and well-known local attorney for 30 years, ended with 12,754 votes.

“Despite heavy rains, strong winds and the threat of long lines, the people of this county voted for experienced leadership, proven results and principled decision making,” Dykes told the Salisbury Independent Tuesday night.

“I am humbled by their trust, honored by their confidence and committed to showing them that their choice was the right one for a safe Wicomico County.”

Dykes is the first woman elected State’s Attorney in county history.

In Worcester County, Kris Heiser — a Deputy State’s Attorney working under Dykes — was elected in June to be State’s Attorney, also a first.