Gov. Tony Evers Appoints New Washburn County Sheriff

WASHBURN COUNTY, WI — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Bernard Brunkow as the next Sheriff of Washburn County, filling the vacancy created when former Sheriff Dennis Stuart resigned before the completion of his term.

The appointment follows Stuart's retirement from all Washburn County positions in June, creating a vacancy that, under Wisconsin law, is filled by gubernatorial appointment until a successor is elected and qualified. Read more about Stuart's retirement here.

Press Release

Gov. Tony Evers today appointed Bernard Brunkow as Washburn County Sheriff. The appointment fills a vacancy created by Sheriff Dennis Stuart’s retirement. Brunkow will complete the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2027. 

“Bernard Brunkow will provide stability while the people of Washburn County decide who should be their next sheriff, and I am grateful for his willingness to serve,” said Gov. Evers. 

Brunkow served for 25 years as a Buffalo County Sheriff’s Deputy before he was appointed as Buffalo County Sheriff in 2005. After retiring in 2007, Brunkow worked in school transportation in Mondovi and Spooner. Brunkow resides in the town of Evergreen.

“I am honored to accept this appointment as Sheriff of Washburn County,” said Brunkow. “I will serve the citizens of Washburn County to the best of my ability until the newly elected Sheriff takes office in January.”

What This Means For The 2026 Election

While Gov. Evers' appointment immediately fills the sheriff's office, it does not change the candidates who will appear on the ballot this fall.

Three Republicans successfully circulated nomination papers and qualified for both the August primary election and the November general election:

• Warren Tuttle – Read Tuttle's campaign announcement
• Jason Bartholomew – Read Bartholomew's campaign announcement
• Matt Prochnow – Read Prochnow's campaign announcement

All three candidates are running as Republicans and have already qualified to appear on both the August primary ballot and, whichever one is nominated, the November general election ballot.

Because no Democratic candidate filed to run for sheriff, the Republican nominee who emerges from the Tuesday, August 11, 2026, primary election is widely expected to become the county's next elected sheriff following the November election.