MADISON, WI — Today, Sheriff Kalvin Barrett announced his campaign for re-election as Dane County Sheriff, pledging to continue his inclusive, data-driven, and community-centered approach to public safety.
“Serving as your Sheriff has been the honor of my lifetime,” said Sheriff Barrett. “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.”
“Progress isn’t always permanent,” continued Barrett. “Now more than ever, we need bold leadership in the sheriff’s office that understands that true public safety is built on trust and that trust doesn’t happen accidentally. Keeping Dane County residents safe will always be my priority, regardless of what chaos and political grandstanding is happening at the national level.”
Sheriff Kalvin Barrett serves as the 53rd Sheriff of Dane County and is 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.
Under Sheriff Barrett’s leadership, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office has used an approach to public safety that has been rooted in trust, accountability, and tangible results. His administration expanded co-response teams which pair deputies with mental health professionals to safely serve residents in crisis, strengthened re-entry programs that reduce recidivism, established a Medication-Assisted Treatment program in the jail to address opioid addiction, and rejected immigration enforcement agreements that eroded trust and made communities less safe.
A proud former Wisconsin Badger, educator, husband, and father, Barrett has dedicated his life to community service. Sheriff Barrett lives in Sun Prairie with his wife and two daughters.
The Democratic Primary Election for Dane County Sheriff will be held on August 11, 2026, and the General Election will be November 3, 2026. Visit KalvinBarrett.com to learn more about Sheriff Barrett and his campaign.
