On Tuesday, Republican voters will decide who will almost certainly become the next sheriff of Kenosha County. No Democrat or independent candidate filed for the office, making the Republican primary the election that will almost certainly decide who serves as sheriff for the next four years.
This news outlet is not endorsing either of Sheriff David Zoerner’s opponents. Captain James Beller and Captain Tony Gonzalez can make their own cases to the voters. It is not this outlet’s place to tell people who to vote for. But this outlet is uniquely equipped with years of documented reporting on why Zoerner has been a terrible sheriff for the last three years, and it is not alone in that conclusion. Nearly everyone who works for him believes it too. After years of reporting on Sheriff Zoerner’s administration, this news outlet has reached one unavoidable conclusion:
The status quo has got to go.
This isn’t based on one controversy or one bad decision — it is based on a pattern that has repeated itself throughout Zoerner’s tenure, a pattern of misleading statements, political reversals, questionable personnel decisions, poor judgment, and an astonishing loss of confidence from the very employees he leads.
Perhaps nothing better illustrates that loss of confidence than the fact that an overwhelming majority of Sheriff’s Office staff have indicated they believe Zoerner lacks integrity, and virtually every level of the office lined up behind someone else. The chief deputy and all three captains beneath Zoerner publicly rejected him. The Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association overwhelmingly rejected Zoerner. Dozens of detention employees, representing nearly 800 years of combined experience, signed a petition urging voters to elect someone else. These are the people who work under Sheriff Zoerner every day. Their opinion deserves serious consideration.
One of the defining issues of this campaign has been immigration enforcement.
When David Zoerner first became sheriff, he publicly rejected entering a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He told Kenosha County Eye and other media outlets that expanded cooperation with ICE was not good for Kenosha County. His administration also reduced how long ICE had to take custody of inmates after they posted bail, drawing criticism from conservatives who believed the policy made it easier for people sought by federal immigration authorities to avoid deportation.
Then Captain James Beller announced he was running for sheriff, and as part of his announcement, pledged to enact a 287(g) agreement with ICE.
Only after Beller entered the race and made that pledge did Zoerner quietly sign a limited 287(g) agreement with ICE, seemingly aware he would lose the immigration issue to Beller if he didn’t act. There was no press conference. No public announcement. Then, months later, campaign materials suddenly portrayed Zoerner as a longtime champion of aggressive immigration enforcement.
Kenosha County Eye obtained records that painted a different picture. Those records showed that only correctional officers—not patrol deputies—had been trained under the agreement. They also contradicted campaign claims that Sheriff’s Office deputies had been deputized by ICE and were making immigration arrests.
When those inconsistencies became public, Zoerner himself quietly removed a campaign post featuring a photoshopped photo of himself with Donald Trump touting how tough he was on illegal immigrants, after it drew criticism from conservatives and liberals alike.
The sheriff’s credibility has come into question in other cases as well. This news outlet has documented extensively that Zoerner has not been truthful with it.
When this news outlet asked Sheriff Zoerner about convicted child groomer Christian Enwright’s early release, he flatly denied that Enwright had participated in work crew. Jail records later obtained by Kenosha County Eye showed Enwright had accumulated sentence credit through the jail’s inmate work program, substantially reducing the amount of time he spent behind bars.
Rather than acknowledging the discrepancy, the sheriff doubled down.
Personnel decisions have generated repeated controversy.
Sheriff Zoerner personally hired a twice-convicted—but later pardoned—felon to serve as a deputy sheriff. Really? Seriously? A conservative sheriff who says he is tough on crime hired a multiple felon as a deputy sheriff? These are not things you can make up.
Deputy Endel Williams washed out of the field training officer program and is no longer a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office.
His administration retained Deputy Jeanean Keske after she admitted leaking confidential information connected to a narcotics investigation that ultimately reached individuals associated with a drug-trafficking investigation, despite expectations among many employees that termination would follow.
Former Deputy Frank McGrath was internally found to have improperly accessed law-enforcement databases and other sensitive systems while off duty. Although McGrath ultimately lost his job, this news outlet has repeatedly questioned why the matter was handled administratively rather than immediately referred for criminal prosecution.
Sheriff Zoerner also hired former Deputy Michael Rizzo despite reportedly knowing about an out-of-state restraining order involving allegations of troubling criminal domestic conduct.
This news outlet has also learned that no charges were filed against embattled attorney Ted Kmiec despite investigators finding drugs in his office, his bedroom, and his living room.
The sheriff’s management of the jail has also faced repeated criticism. Defense attorneys have complained in open court that inmates went without critical medications. Female jail employees accused the administration of mishandling locker-room privacy issues. A biological man was allegedly allowed by Zoerner to go into the Women’s locker room and bathrooms. Questions have repeatedly been raised about transparency, accountability and the overall management of the jail. Many inmates went without medically necessary medications for months.
Public records show Zoerner has been the subject of several foreclosure actions on his own finances, raising questions about whether he can be trusted to manage the sheriff’s office’s substantial budget when he has struggled to manage his own.
Even outside the jail, controversy followed the sheriff.
His administration spent taxpayer money placing his name on county squad cars as another election approached.
He admitted collecting campaign nomination signatures while wearing his sheriff’s uniform, insisting he believed the rules allowed him to do so.
He was criticized after a traffic citation issued during a motorcycle stop was later voided, fueling accusations that elected officials receive treatment unavailable to ordinary citizens.
Federal authorities conducted a major immigration enforcement operation in Kenosha County without notifying the Sheriff’s Office. Zoerner later said federal officials cited operational security concerns for limiting who was informed beforehand. KCE was told by a federal law enforcement officer that the federal government “just doesn’t trust Zoerner.”
Time after time, detailed questions from this news outlet went unanswered while carefully crafted press releases appeared instead. The most important, unanswered question: “What, if anything will you do to gain the trust of the troops should you be re-elected?”
The sheriff also chose not to participate in the Kenosha County Eye sheriff’s forum, denying voters an opportunity to hear him answer questions alongside his opponents.
Then there is politics.
David Zoerner previously ran for office as a Democrat and lost. He attended the Women’s March wearing the event’s signature pink pussy hat. Today, he campaigns as a conservative Republican.
People can and do change their political beliefs. But voters should ask themselves whether Sheriff Zoerner truly changed—or whether his politics changed because he realized a Democrat could not win countywide office in Kenosha County. This news outlet believes the record supports the latter: most of the substantive decisions Zoerner has made over the past three and a half years reflect Democrat priorities, not conservative ones, regardless of the label on his campaign signs.
Now, in the closing days of the campaign, out-of-state money has flooded Kenosha County with glossy mailers praising Sheriff Zoerner. At the same time, a national “pink slime” media network posing as a local news source has published a steady stream of favorable stories promoting his campaign. Whether those efforts are coordinated in this race remains unknown, but both are delivering the same message to Republican primary voters.
Billionaire Uline owner Liz Uihlein’s super PAC has also put thousands of dollars behind advertising for Zoerner, apparently after seemingly being duped into believing he was a genuine conservative.
Over the past several days, signs have also appeared attached to Zoerner’s existing campaign signs suggesting he has been endorsed by other politicians who have not, in fact, endorsed him. The signs lack the legally required disclaimer identifying who paid for them, instead reading only “paid for by a private citizen.” Many have suspected County Executive Samantha Kerkman was heavily involved in this deceptive practice, though that involvement has not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Zoerner has publicly supported Racine County sheriff candidate Cary Madrigal despite reporting by this news outlet that she attempted to cover up misconduct involving a deputy who was later charged in a child pornography and bestiality case. Voters can decide for themselves what that endorsement says about the sheriff’s judgment.
Taken individually, supporters can explain away nearly every controversy. They can say critics are being unfair. They can say the media is biased. They can say mistakes happen.
But after two years of reporting, it is impossible to ignore the cumulative pattern.
A sheriff who reversed course on immigration only after facing political pressure.
A sheriff whose public statements have, on multiple occasions, been contradicted by records.
A sheriff who made controversial hiring and disciplinary decisions.
A sheriff whose administration has repeatedly faced questions about transparency, accountability, employee morale and jail management.
A sheriff who has often appeared more interested in controlling the message than answering difficult questions.
No sheriff will ever have a perfect record. Every administration makes mistakes. But voters are not choosing whether David Zoerner has been perfect. They are deciding whether his record merits another four years in office.
This news outlet believes it does not.
Kenosha County deserves new leadership.
On Tuesday, Republican voters have the opportunity to turn the page — please do it.
47 Responses
Imagine 2027 with Zoerner as Kenosha County Sheriff and Madrigal as Racine County Sheriff. The incompetence is astounding, but hey you’re not supposed to talk about it.
I don’t want to imagine that, that is more like a nightmare. At the county Fair I was talking to Henry Perez and had a yard sign in my hand and the Democratic candidate came by and told me you’re making a good choice. Since Saturday was a rain out Sunday had a good crowd and she was a no-show at her booth. That tells you something right there. Henry said the Democratic candidate is competent and a great person on top of it. In the general I’m voting for The Democratic candidate if she is the other option. If the Democratic candidate wins I hope he realizes he is living in a slightly red leaning county.
The (D) candidate is more morally upstanding than Madrigal.
On Tuesday, if Kenosha doesn’t zap, zip-lock, and toss Zig Zag Zoerner into the electoral trash, it will deserve continuation of his absurd incompetence. Partisan labels are irrelevant in Sheriff elections when the incumbent is a proven liar with raw sewage character and a Democrat infiltrator that commandeered the conservative Republican label.
When I got a mailer from this clowns mailing it looked like President Trump endorsed him as sheriff for Kenosha County. I laughed and immediately threw it in the garbage. I voted early and it wasn’t for this clown Zoerner!
same here!
Kevin
You missed the hiring of a deputy that lied on the Illinois state law enforcement test. He was turned down by 23 Illinois departments. But come to Kenosha and we hire felons and liars.
Zoerner didn’t hire him. But he probably would have
Not only did the deputies reject Zoerner, 98% of them endorsed Captain Tony Gonzalez and 100% of the command staff endorsed Captain Tony Gonzalez. Around 75% of the jail staff signed a public statement endorsing Captain Tony Gonzalez. Many of the jail staff were afraid of the repercussions if they signed the endorsement. I believe we need to take notice, Captain Tony Gonzalez is the change and leadership the Sheriff’s Office needs and wants.
He calls himself a “Conservative” as wears an abortion hat like that? I guess he’s fooled us all along! Zoerner must be voted out. It sounds like Tony Gonzalez appears to be the best candidate! Conservative Christian and Pro-Life! But really, anyone but Zoerner!!
You claim to be MAGA, yet you appear to be championing an individual who was not born in this country and who maintains extensive ties to the Hispanic Central American community—most of whom are undocumented. One is left to wonder precisely what manner of MAGA that makes you?
First off, I’ve never claimed to be maga. I voted for Trump three times. I’m conservative to the bone. Knocking somebody for their ethnicity is stupid. You are an idiot for bringing race into this. You have a small mind. Both captains would make great Sheriffs. I noticed that em dash. You needed AI to make a racist comment?
Sir, no AI was used; we leave that to your former buddy, Mr. Solis.
No racist comment was made. The question was simply whether, given that family’s many undocumented acquaintances, he can still honor the MAGA agenda. Apparently, you are no longer MAGA either. Good to know.
So enlighten us, Mr AI, on whom is a better choice and why? Instead of meowing about who Kevin may or may not endorse who do you think would do a good job?
Guatemalan coffee or pork chops? Captain Beller is unquestionably my choice.
If you are dissatisfied with the person currently in office, Gonzalez represents more of the same. The same union and deputies backing him today were among the current sheriff’s strongest supporters four years ago. Yet somehow, they now seem offended when the little favors they expected in return fail to materialize.
A vertical organization led by an outsider is the best way to keep everyone accountable and avoid the familiar trading of favors for electoral support. Apparently, expecting independence and accountability is asking for far too much.
Best,
Guatemalan coffee or pork chops? Captain Beller is unquestionably my choice.
If you are dissatisfied with the person currently in office, Gonzalez represents more of the same. The same union and deputies backing him today were among the current sheriff’s strongest supporters four years ago. Yet somehow, they now seem offended when the little favors they expected in return fail to materialize.
A vertical organization led by an outsider is the best way to keep everyone accountable and avoid the familiar trading of favors for electoral support. Apparently, expecting independence and accountability is asking for far too much.
So when one doesn’t agree with your opinion you b*tch like a girl? Maybe instead of coffee you should buy tampons 😉
Schmuck.
😉
Most people aren’t maga. Don’t fool yourself. Normal people don’t follow that crap. It’s just for uneducated followers.
Small, but a VERY vocal, minority of this country don’t want America to be Great. Yes, they are all liberals/progressives/socialists/communists.
He ain’t wrong.
You may be more comfortable living somewhere in The deep South around like-minded people like you.
Speaking of ignorance. Have you ever been to the deep south? Regurgitating stereotypes doesn’t help your case any..
You may be more comfortable living in the deep South among like-minded people like you.
I voted for Beller and understand the divide between sheriff and city cops.
But I also understand character and believe Beller listens and learns well, is humble and would do the sheriff department and its good deputies proud!
I do have a concern that having two candidates opposing Zoener could be his pathway to reelection.
Knowing politics just a little Rodrigues could be, by design, a spoiler against Zoener opposition.
After the election we can look at the numbers and see how many democrats took a republican ballot for Rodrigues. We can also evaluate if Rodriguez gets or his internal campaign supporters gets promoted by Zoener if he wins reelection.
Spoilers are never known during an election only after!
I voted for Beller and understand the divide between sheriff and city cops.
But I also understand character and believe Beller listens and learns well, is humble and would do the sheriff department and its good deputies proud!
I do have a concern that having two candidates opposing Zoener could be his pathway to reelection.
Knowing politics just a little Rodrigues could be, by design, a spoiler against Zoener opposition.
After the election we can look at the numbers and see how many democrats took a republican ballot for Rodrigues. We can also evaluate if Rodriguez gets or his internal campaign supporters gets promoted by Zoener if he wins reelection.
Spoilers are never known during an election only after!
Why the hell would there be a divide between sheriff and city cops??
That sounds very stupid ..
The real question is since when it began.
There’s this little rivalry going on, but that doesn’t mean that when the spit, fists, or bullets start flying they don’t instantly remember they’re all brothers and sisters. It’s a healthy rivalry.
Of course, during electoral campaign times and because of how dirty politics are, things get exaggerated or placed out of proportion.
Ironic how evil projects incompetence labels on the righteous only to find themselves boomeranged with the “he or she is incompetent smear campaign” Proverbially smack dead center in the back of their retarded skull
It’s called divine justice restoring divine order
Stop trying to sound intelligent, it’s not working.
Sheriff Zoerner also hired his friend for a position that did not have a posting but instead handed it to a friend and gave him top pay. Sheriff Zoerner is not a leader never shows his face and claims he only has to show up once a week per law. He does nothing to help morale of his staff instead destroys it but not having any growth especially in corrections. I would vote for a bag of dog shit over him.
(from the story)
“ … voters should ask themselves whether Sheriff Zoerner truly changed—or whether his politics changed because he realized a Democrat could not win countywide office in Kenosha County.”
“ a Democrat could not win countywide office in Kenosha County” ???
Are you talking recently ? Historically ?
Jim Kreuser was Kenosha County Executive for 14 years from 2008 to 2022. He was and still is a Democrat. That’s not that long ago.
Sam Kerkman was an anomaly. But then again a disappointing anomaly. It’s anybody’s guess if she can claim to be anything but a Democrat.
Zoerner is going to lose.
The only question is what he’s going to do after ?’
People usually like conservative for sheriffs and judges. The liberals even themselves don’t want liberal judges and Sheriffs
Chad Kerkman (D)
Jason Rossell (D)
Angelina Gabriele (D)
Just to name three that are not worthy of the conservative vote next time they are up.
If we only can get good conservative lawyers to run for these Judgeships.
Is it a money issue ?
Does being a Judge mean more money than a liberal attorney can make ?
……..If we only can get good conservative lawyers…………………
Define “good lawyer”—-legal skillsets that generates income from clients, or to serve the citizens as an elected official?
I guess some with a law degree find the pay and job security is greater than what they earn in a law practice.
Where are you Drew Burgoyne???
I find it ironic that some of Zoerners friends and supporters are now supporting Beller. This is done to take votes away from Tony. I’ve seen it first hand attending events where only Zoerner was involved and rubbing elbows and gushing over him. Same people trolling FB posts bashing Tony supporters. We are not stupid. Sit back and watch desperation and stupid at it’s finest.
Zorner pulled a reverse Sheriff David Clarke on the Kenosha Voters! Is that a Democrat Vagina Hat?!?!?
WoW!
I don’t care what Erin Decker says , I won’t vote for Zoeller . He’s bloated liar.
Erin Decker is self serving and has no credibility.
Pink Pussies are Lying Marxist Democrats.
A daily prayer seeking discernment from our Creator is a wise thing to do in this never ending world of deceit, lies, deception and all other form of dishonest manipulation.
And RINOs are on the top of this list.
All a show. Nothing changes. Corruption is the name of the game in the USA and that corruption will be the death nail soon
VOTE FOR BELLER!
All of these Sheriffs office employees who have publicly endorsed one candidate better hope the other doesn’t win. Good luck with that.
I see that coming
Facts. Allegedly, the HR Department and Corrections Administration has been pulling staff into impromptu meetings to interrogate staff regarding a petition that endorsed Gonzalez.