Vonnie Sonnenberg named Republican of the Year

Logan County Republicans celebrate achievements, hear from 2026 candidates at annual Lincoln Day Dinner

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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At the Logan County Republicans' annual Lincoln Day Dinner, Vonnie Sonnenberg was named the Republican of the Year, with the 2025 honoree, Peggy Michaels, presenting the award. Additionally, Logan County Sheriff Brett Powell announced he will not seek re-election this year after 30 years in law enforcement. Several 2026 Republican candidates for state and federal offices also gave remarks at the event.

Why it matters

The Logan County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner is a significant event that highlights the party's priorities and showcases potential future leaders. Sonnenberg's award recognizes her dedication to Republican values and her work in the community, while Powell's retirement announcement opens up an important local elected position.

The details

Vonnie Sonnenberg was named the Republican of the Year, with Peggy Michaels describing her as a dedicated educator and public servant who supports her husband, Jerry, in his elected role. Logan County Sheriff Brett Powell announced he will not seek re-election this year after 30 years in law enforcement, first with the Sterling Police Department and then as sheriff since 2007. Several 2026 Republican candidates for state and federal offices, including governor, U.S. Senate, state treasurer, and secretary of state, gave remarks at the event.

  • The Logan County Republican Caucus will be held on March 7, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the Mitchek Event Center.
  • The Republican County Assembly will be held on March 28, 2026 at the Sterling Middle School auditorium, followed by Senate District 1 and House District 63 Assemblies.

The players

Vonnie Sonnenberg

The 2026 Republican of the Year, described as a dedicated educator and public servant who supports her husband, Jerry, in his elected role.

Peggy Michaels

The 2025 Republican of the Year, who presented the award to Vonnie Sonnenberg.

Brett Powell

The Logan County Sheriff who announced he will not seek re-election this year after 30 years in law enforcement.

Jeremy Leisure

A patrol lieutenant with the Logan County Sheriff's Office who is running for sheriff in 2026.

Jim Santomaso

A Logan County Commissioner who was appointed last year and is now running for election to retain his seat.

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What they’re saying

“This person doesn't seek recognition but they have earned it. Their dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment of Republican values make them a shining example of what leadership really looks like.”

— Peggy Michaels, 2025 Republican of the Year

“Thank you so much fellow Republicans and everyone here, it really takes all of us, it takes an army.”

— Vonnie Sonnenberg, 2026 Republican of the Year

“It's been a pleasure to serve Logan County. It's time to turn it over to the new guys. Thirty years in this job is a lot…I can't play by the new rules, it's time for me to go and for somebody to step up. Jeremy Leisure, he's going to take care of you I promise.”

— Brett Powell, Logan County Sheriff

“My goal is to honor that work, continue that progress. I believe in Logan County, I believe in the agency and I believe leadership matters. This campaign isn't about tearing down anything or rewriting what's already been working for years. We're fortunate in Logan County to have a strong sheriff's office, a solid foundation built on good leadership and dedicated deputies.”

— Jeremy Leisure, 2026 Candidate for Logan County Sheriff

“It's been a whirlwind. It's been a rewarding position. I was born and raised here. I've seen a lot of changes, hopefully the three of us will continue to guide this county in the right direction.”

— Jim Santomaso, Logan County Commissioner

What’s next

The Logan County Republican Caucus will be held on March 7, 2026 to select delegates for the county assembly, and the Republican County Assembly will be held on March 28, 2026 to nominate candidates for the general election.

The takeaway

The Logan County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner highlighted the party's priorities and showcased potential future leaders, with the recognition of Vonnie Sonnenberg as the Republican of the Year and the announcement of Sheriff Brett Powell's retirement opening up an important local elected position.