Kaukauna Mayoral Candidate Withdraws from Race

Daniel Schafer cites personal toll of campaign on him and his family.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Daniel Schafer, a mayoral candidate in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has announced that he is withdrawing from the race. In a statement, Schafer cited the personal toll the campaign has taken on him and his family, as well as the significant amount of hate and anger that has been directed toward him throughout the campaign.

Why it matters

Schafer's withdrawal from the race will impact the upcoming mayoral election in Kaukauna, potentially shifting the dynamics and priorities of the campaign. His decision to step down also highlights the personal challenges and stresses that candidates can face during the political process.

The details

In his statement, Schafer said that after many conversations with his family and close friends, he made the decision to withdraw from the mayoral race. He had previously stated that transparency would be the foundation of his platform, and he believed the community deserved a positive change. However, Schafer said the campaign has taken a significant toll on both him and his family.

  • Schafer announced his withdrawal on March 17, 2026.

The players

Daniel Schafer

A former mayoral candidate in Kaukauna, Wisconsin who has withdrawn from the race, citing the personal toll the campaign has taken on him and his family.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From the beginning of this campaign, I said transparency would be the foundation of my platform. I believe it is something our community has not had in a long time.”

— Daniel Schafer, Former Mayoral Candidate

“Thank you again to everyone who supported me and who believes in our community deserves a positive change.”

— Daniel Schafer, Former Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

With Schafer's withdrawal, the Kaukauna mayoral race will continue without him, and voters will need to consider the remaining candidates and their platforms.

The takeaway

Schafer's decision to withdraw from the mayoral race highlights the personal challenges and stresses that candidates can face during the political process, and underscores the importance of transparency and positive campaigning in local elections.