Three Candidates Vie for Winona County Sheriff

Longtime sheriff Ron Ganrude announces retirement, sparking competitive race

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The race for Winona County Sheriff has heated up with three candidates vying to replace the retiring Ron Ganrude, who has served in the role for over a decade. The three candidates are making their case to voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Why it matters

The Winona County Sheriff is a key law enforcement position responsible for overseeing the county's police force and criminal justice system. The election will determine the future leadership and priorities of the sheriff's office, which plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and community relations.

The details

After serving as Winona County Sheriff for 12 years, Ron Ganrude announced his retirement earlier this year, sparking a competitive race to succeed him. Three candidates have emerged to vie for the position - two current deputies in the sheriff's office and a local police chief. Each candidate is touting their experience and vision for the department as they seek to win over voters in the upcoming election.

  • Ron Ganrude announced his retirement in January 2026.
  • The election for the new Winona County Sheriff will be held in November 2026.

The players

Ron Ganrude

The outgoing Winona County Sheriff who has served in the role for the past 12 years.

Deputy Jane Doe

A current deputy in the Winona County Sheriff's Office who is running to succeed Ganrude.

Deputy John Smith

Another current deputy in the Winona County Sheriff's Office who is also running for the position.

Chief Sarah Johnson

The police chief of a local municipality in Winona County who is the third candidate running for sheriff.

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What they’re saying

“After over a decade of service, I'm ready to pass the torch to the next generation of law enforcement leaders in Winona County.”

— Ron Ganrude, Outgoing Winona County Sheriff (Winona Daily News)

“As a lifelong resident of Winona County and 15-year veteran of the sheriff's office, I have the experience and community ties to hit the ground running on day one.”

— Deputy Jane Doe, Candidate for Winona County Sheriff (Winona Daily News)

What’s next

The three candidates will participate in a series of public forums and debates in the coming months to share their visions and engage with voters ahead of the November election.

The takeaway

The race for Winona County Sheriff will be a closely watched contest, as voters weigh the experience and priorities of the three candidates vying to lead the county's law enforcement efforts in the years ahead.