KENOSHA, Wis. — In what is being viewed by many inside Kenosha County law enforcement as a devastating rebuke of Sheriff David Zoerner’s first three years in office, the Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association overwhelmingly endorsed Captain Tony Gonzalez for sheriff following a candidate forum and question-and-answer session.

According to information provided to Kenosha County Eye, Zoerner received just one vote from members of his own agency. Independent candidate Gary Roberts, who is widely viewed as having virtually no path to victory, reportedly received two votes.

That means nearly the entire rank-and-file membership of the association backed someone other than the sitting sheriff.

Zoerner, a Democrat running as a Republican, now appears to be facing a political collapse within his own agency. Meanwhile, both Gonzalez and Kenosha Police Captain James Beller are Republicans who have campaigned heavily on law-and-order issues, federal cooperation and restoring confidence in leadership.

For many close to the Sheriff’s Office, the endorsement was not surprising. Gonzalez is widely regarded as one of the most liked and respected command staff members in the department and has built strong relationships with deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers and support staff over the years.

People familiar with both Sheriff’s Office and Kenosha Police Department dynamics said deputies were expected to rally around Gonzalez because he is viewed internally as one of their own.

The vote, however, appears to be about more than simply supporting a popular captain.

During the public question-and-answer session, and in separate conversations with deputies afterward, members sharply criticized Zoerner over what they described as poor public relations, questionable hiring practices, uneven discipline, morale issues and a perceived lack of leadership within the department.

Several deputies publicly questioned Zoerner’s management style, while others privately told Kenosha County Eye they believe the sheriff has lost the confidence of much of his workforce.

Another major point of contention, both during the forum and in private conversations afterward, was the belief among some deputies that County Executive Samantha Kerkman exerts too much influence over the Sheriff’s Office and, in practice, runs the department more than Zoerner does.

That criticism has followed Zoerner for months, particularly after his shifting position on federal immigration cooperation and the 287(g) program. Zoerner initially declined to pursue the agreement before later reversing course and signing it after political pressure intensified.

Some inside law enforcement believe that reversal damaged Zoerner politically and reinforced a perception that he was taking direction from Kerkman rather than acting independently as sheriff.

Kenosha County Eye asked Zoerner whether he planned to make changes if reelected given what appears to be overwhelming dissatisfaction among his rank and file. Zoerner declined comment.

Zoerner was also asked whether he still intends to continue his campaign despite what many are calling an embarrassing rejection by members of his own agency. He again declined comment.

Kenosha County Eye also asked County Executive Samantha Kerkman whether she believed her reported role in discouraging Zoerner from signing the 287(g) agreement before later supporting it may have contributed to his political problems within law enforcement circles. Kerkman declined comment.

During the candidate forum, Gonzalez reportedly received two standing ovations from members in attendance, further underscoring the enthusiasm surrounding his candidacy.

Detective Nick Moro, president of the Kenosha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, said the endorsement came after members had an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and ask questions about the future of the agency. Moro said deputies ultimately believed Gonzalez was the best candidate to improve morale, strengthen communication and restore confidence within the Sheriff’s Office.

Moro said association members were looking for a sheriff who would support deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers and civilian staff while bringing stronger leadership and accountability to the department. He said members believed Gonzalez had the experience, temperament and internal support necessary to move the agency forward.

When asked by KCE how he felt about receiving the endorsement and what he believed it said about the contrast between himself and Sheriff David Zoerner, Gonzalez responded: “This one hits home. I’ve spent 18 years in the ‘trenches’ with deputies, detectives, correctional officers, and supervisors, and there’s no higher praise than the respect of the people actually doing the job. I’ve never seen myself as ‘above’ them, I’ve always been right there alongside them. Knowing they trust me to lead means everything, and it only makes me more determined to continue working just as hard for them as they do and in turn for our community.”

Gonzalez continued: “The Sheriff has served this county for a long time, and that deserves acknowledgement. To me, this endorsement is less about comparison and more about the staffs vision for the department. As a Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and now Captain, I’ve always believed in leading from the front and being there when the men and women need me. They’re choosing a specific style of leadership, one that’s present, engaged, authentic, and I’m fully committed to keeping that momentum going. This is a call for change, and not just based on my perspective.”

The endorsement also appears to solidify what many observers now believe is a two-person Republican race between Gonzalez and Beller.

For Zoerner, the vote represents perhaps the clearest sign yet that many of the people who know his leadership best no longer believe he should continue leading the agency.

Whether that dissatisfaction among deputies translates to voters remains to be seen, but inside the Sheriff’s Office, the message from the rank and file could not have been much clearer.