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Sun Prairie Today
By the People, for the People
Dane County Sheriff Announces Re-Election Campaign
Kalvin Barrett touts record of reforms and community engagement as he seeks second term.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, the first African American to hold the position, has announced his campaign for re-election. Barrett was appointed in 2021 by Governor Tony Evers and then elected in 2022 with over 75% of the vote. In his announcement, Barrett highlighted his expansion of co-response teams, strengthening of re-entry programs, establishment of a Medication-Assisted Treatment program, and rejection of immigration enforcement agreements.
Why it matters
As the top law enforcement official in Dane County, the Sheriff's race is a key election that will shape the direction of public safety and criminal justice reform efforts in the region. Barrett's campaign announcement signals that he will be running on his record of progressive policing initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for residents.
The details
Barrett serves as the 53rd Sheriff of Dane County. During his tenure, he has expanded co-response teams that pair deputies with mental health professionals, strengthened re-entry programs to reduce recidivism, established a Medication-Assisted Treatment program in the jail to address opioid addiction, and rejected immigration enforcement agreements that he says erode community trust. Barrett has also advocated for a new consolidated jail building, calling conditions at the current facility 'borderline unconstitutional'.
- Barrett was appointed Dane County Sheriff in 2021 by Governor Tony Evers.
- Barrett was elected to a full term in 2022, winning over 75% of the vote.
- The Democratic Primary Election for Dane County Sheriff will be held on August 11, 2026.
- The General Election will be November 3, 2026.
The players
Kalvin Barrett
The 53rd Sheriff of Dane County, Wisconsin and the first African American to hold the position. He was appointed in 2021 by Governor Tony Evers and then elected in 2022 with over 75% of the vote.
Tony Evers
The Governor of Wisconsin who appointed Kalvin Barrett as Dane County Sheriff in 2021.
What they’re saying
“Serving as your Sheriff has been the honor of my lifetime. Every day, my deputies and I do everything we can to keep the residents of Dane County safe. I'm proud of what we have accomplished and I'm running for re-election to make sure that we continue moving Dane County forward.”
— Kalvin Barrett, Dane County Sheriff (madison365.com)
What’s next
The Democratic Primary Election for Dane County Sheriff will be held on August 11, 2026, and the General Election will be November 3, 2026.
The takeaway
Sheriff Barrett's re-election campaign will focus on his record of progressive policing reforms and community engagement, setting up a key election that will shape the future of public safety in Dane County.
