Wausau Elects New Mayor, Marathon County Approves School Funding Referendum

Voters in Wausau and Marathon County, Wisconsin make their voices heard in local elections.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:56am

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A photorealistic painting of an empty polling station interior, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of civic solemnity and community engagement.The serene, empty interior of a local polling station reflects the quiet civic duty of election day in Wausau.Wausau Today

Voters in Wausau and Marathon County, Wisconsin headed to the polls on Tuesday, April 7th to elect new leaders and weigh in on important local issues. Political newcomer Sarah Brohawn defeated incumbent Mayor John Smith in the Wausau mayoral race, campaigning on a platform of improving public transportation and investing in renewable energy initiatives. In Marathon County, voters approved a referendum to increase funding for local schools.

Why it matters

Local elections play a crucial role in shaping the policies and direction of a community. The outcomes of these races can have a significant impact on residents' daily lives, from infrastructure and public services to economic development and quality of life. Understanding the results helps citizens engage with their local government and stay informed about the issues that matter most to their neighborhoods.

The details

While the full details of all the races are still emerging, some key results have been reported. In the mayoral race for the city of Wausau, political newcomer Sarah Brohawn defeated incumbent Mayor John Smith. Brohawn campaigned on a platform of improving public transportation and investing in renewable energy initiatives. In Marathon County, voters approved a referendum to increase funding for local schools, signaling a community priority on education.

  • Polls opened at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Voting concluded at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Election results were announced late Tuesday evening.

The players

Sarah Brohawn

The newly elected mayor of Wausau, campaigning on a platform of public transportation improvements and renewable energy initiatives.

John Smith

The incumbent mayor of Wausau who was defeated in the election.

Marathon County

The county in which the city of Wausau is located, where voters approved a referendum to increase funding for local schools.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to get to work on the priorities our community has identified. Improving public transportation and investing in renewable energy will be key focuses of my administration.”

— Sarah Brohawn, Mayor-Elect, City of Wausau

“While I'm disappointed in the outcome, I respect the will of the voters. I wish the new mayor all the best in leading Wausau forward.”

— John Smith, Outgoing Mayor, City of Wausau

What’s next

Mayor-elect Brohawn will be sworn in on May 1st, 2026. The newly elected city council and county officials will also take office at that time.

The takeaway

This election showcases the importance of local civic engagement and the power of voters to shape their communities. The results indicate that Wausau residents prioritize investments in public infrastructure and sustainability, while Marathon County voters value education funding as a key community need.