(Submitted Photo)
KENOSHA, Wis. — The race for Kenosha County Sheriff narrowed further this evening, as one candidate officially stepped aside, leaving three Republicans in the primary contest.
Bryan Gonzales announced this evening that he will no longer seek the office, ending his campaign after previously entering the race earlier this year. Gonzales, a retired Kenosha police officer, had positioned himself as a community-focused candidate and was one of the early entrants in what has quickly become a closely watched race.
With Gonzales now out, the Republican primary field is down to three candidates: Kenosha Police Captain James Beller, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tony Gonzalez, and incumbent Sheriff David Zoerner.
The shift further clarifies what is shaping up to be a competitive and, in some respects, unusual race. Beller has emphasized his extensive experience, military background, and FBI National Academy training. Gonzalez, currently one of the highest-ranking members within the Sheriff’s Office, has centered his campaign on internal reform and leadership changes within the department. Zoerner, the incumbent, is seeking to retain his position after filing his candidacy in late January.
An independent candidate, Gary Roberts, the City of Kenosha’s director of inspections, has also filed to run for sheriff, though he is not expected to be a major factor in the race.
Additionally, James Simmons, a retired Lake County Sheriff’s deputy, is expected to run again as a Democrat, potentially setting up a broader general election contest beyond the Republican primary.
The developments underscore growing interest—and division—within local law enforcement and political circles, as multiple candidates vie for the county’s top law enforcement position.
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18 Responses
My do we live in quite interesting times.
For several years David Zoerner wanted to unseat Sheriff David Beth, enlisting support from department members unhappy with Beth.
Following the honeymoon period after he became sheriff, Zoerner now has members of his staff aligning with Tony Gonzales. Zoerner had made his share of enemies and his department’s spending is far from conservative. I’m kind of surprised that he’s not retiring.
Meanwhile, James Beller is an outside candidate with a good resume. Whether that experience can translate into being a good manager is the issue on the table.
Note that I said “a good manager” instead of “good sheriff.” That’s because while the Sheriff of Kenosha County has the legal authority as a law enforcement officer this isn’t Podunk, Sheriffs in larger departments rarely play cop. They have to manage a staff and that’s where the being a good manager comes in. All of the candidates have law enforcement experience. It’s their management skills that matter most.
Actually management of the Sheriff’s Department falls more under the responsibilities of the Chief Deputy. Leadership is the primary responsibility of the Sheriff. The difference of course is that the Sheriff establishes the philosophy and direction of the organization and that then is carried out, or managed, by the Chief Deputy and the other managerial staff. The Sheriff’s Department has been well managed. The philosophy and direction have not. Zoerner has made several crucial errors in judgment including his stance on the detention of illegal criminal aliens, the premature release of Enwright (he did not have to be given work release and its benefits), as well as his general incompetence. James Beller, whom you question his ability to manage, has managed a patrol shift, an investigations division, internal affairs…his ability to manage is unquestionable. Note, Zoerner did none of these prior to being elected. So the question becomes how has Beller led? Beller led the way in formalizing an ICAC unit on the police department (crimes against children), increased investigative capacity through technology and brought forth many other ideas etc which increased departmental capacity. Zoerner announced establishing an ICAC unit only after the “Enwright Affair” and it should be noted that Tony Gonzalez had brought this up already, so it’s not an original idea for Zoerner.
I like Jim. I also like Tony. In the past I never considered either to be a potential sheriff so I am seriously interested in hearing more from both. I am truly undecided. I think there may be some merit to having someone from the community with a good law enforcement track record who has not been a part of the internal KSD drama. On the other hand, would Jim, if elected, have the support of the people in the department? Or perhaps Tony has better institutional knowledge, internal support and management ability? In his case, is being an “insider” a help or a problem or both?
I believe Gary will win. He’s the only one with director experience.
Does Gary have a real college degree or a fake one like his boss John Morrissey?
It is about time that Gonzo, Brian, or Albert, or whatever name he decides to use on whatever day, finally read the room.
Good riddance!
Gonz is a good Republican. He may have more success if he stuck with one office.
He is a good republican. He is dim-witted and loyal to the Pedophile-in-Chief.
Bill Clinton is not a republican…
Bill Clinton needs to share a cell with Trump in federal prison. Fuck both of them!
☝️
Vote Beller.
Remember that Beth was a Republican too.
Turned to be not true. Same with Zoerner.
Are any of these new candidates actual conservatives ?
Dust off his “pussy hat”. That would be his best reelection tool.
Zorner has lied to me multiple times about things and he needs to go anyone but him
Jim looks great on paper. Tony has great internal knowledge and would be a great fit. Zoerner needs to go. And the demo guy…who is he? I know Jim and Tony and have witnessed their work. My questions for Jim: Why not wait to be Chief? Did you apply for PPPD a while back? What about retirement? As for Tony, do you think you can win the voters over?
My questions for each of them. You have seen the sporadic radical incidents of certain ICE agents on TV (Not all). How do you respond to their actions of pepper spraying non violent citizens? If your deputies did this how would you as the boss respond?
All of what we’ve seen reminds me of day one in the police academy when one of our instructors said: “The legislature gave you a lot of authority. Abuse it and they will take it away.”
No democrats, no anti-ice candidates, take a que from Polk County Florida sheriff on what a good sheriff is.