Winnebago County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Winnebago County, Wisconsin

19 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 9 Winnebago County races, led by the Winnebago County Sheriff contest.

9 races on the November ballot · 19 candidates · Updated Sep 25, 2026
Candidate roster last updated Sep 25, 2026 from official election sources. Enter your ZIP code at theballotbrief.com to see your exact 2026 ballot.

County offices

SheriffDarin M. Rice (R) · Jason W. Rippl (D) · Danielle Falesnik (Independent)

Darin M. Rice (Republican), Jason W. Rippl (Democratic) and Danielle Falesnik (Independent) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Sheriff.

Darin M. Rice Republican

Top priorities
  • Building a sheriff's office focused on customer service and positive community engagement
  • Safeguarding children, seniors, crime victims and people facing mental health or substance abuse challenges
  • Modernizing technology in a fiscally responsible way and exploring inter-agency collaboration

Per the campaign site.

About Darin M. Rice

Rice is a captain overseeing the Field Services Division of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, with a more than 20-year department career beginning in 2004 that has included corrections, patrol, investigations, training and special operations, per his campaign site and Fox11. He was endorsed by outgoing Sheriff John Matz, per Fox11.

Jason W. Rippl Democratic

Rippl is a patrol officer with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, with a more than 20-year department career beginning in 1998, per Fox11. He has said he plans to hold regular town halls and attend community events to build direct relationships with residents, per Fox11.

Danielle Falesnik Independent

Top priorities
  • Improving how law enforcement responds to mental health, addiction and family-conflict crisis calls
  • Evidence-based policing that balances public safety with civil liberties

Per the campaign site.

About Danielle Falesnik

Falesnik qualified for the November ballot as an independent candidate by nomination papers, but on August 30, 2026 she announced she was ending her active campaign and endorsing Democrat Jason Rippl; because Wisconsin's ballot-withdrawal statute does not cover county offices, her name is still expected to appear on the ballot, per Wisconsin law and Yahoo News/Oshkosh Northwestern's coverage of her announcement. She is a licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience in mental health and administration, including as owner and director of an outpatient psychotherapy practice, per her campaign site.

Darin M. Rice was the only candidate to file in the Republican column and Jason W. Rippl the only candidate to file in the Democratic column, so both advanced to the November 3 ballot without a contested primary, per the Winnebago County Clerk's official August 11, 2026 primary election information packet listing candidates by party and office. Independent Danielle Falesnik separately qualified for the November ballot by nomination papers; on August 30, 2026 she announced she was ending her active campaign and endorsing Rippl, but county offices are not among the offices Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. sec. 8.35(1) and (1m)) allows to withdraw from the ballot after qualifying, so her name is expected to still appear on the ballot despite the announcement, per the Wisconsin statutes and Oshkosh Northwestern/Yahoo News coverage of her announcement. All three candidates are running for the seat held by retiring Sheriff John Matz.

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Clerk of Circuit CourtDesiree Bongers (D)

Unopposed: still on your ballot.

Desiree Bongers Democratic Incumbent

Bongers has served as Winnebago County Clerk of Circuit Court since September 23, 2024, per the county's staff directory. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Desiree Bongers was the only candidate who filed for the office, in the Democratic column; no Republican, Constitution, Libertarian or Wisconsin Green candidate filed, so she is unopposed on the November 3 ballot, per the Winnebago County Clerk's official August 11, 2026 primary election information packet.

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By address

These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.

Winnebago County is split across 7 Wisconsin Assembly and Senate districts.

Find your districts by address
Wisconsin Assembly: 5 districtsDistricts 39, 53, 54, 55, 57
Wisconsin Assembly District 39Alex Dallman (R) · Michael Skivington (D)

Alex Dallman Republican Incumbent

Dallman worked as an outreach representative for U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman's office, focusing on constituent services including veterans' affairs and tax issues, per the official legislator page. Dallman holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Edgewood College and lives in Markesan. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Michael Skivington Democratic

Top priorities
  • Increase state funding for public education
  • Strengthen rural public health networks and expand mental health access
  • Support conservation grants and small-business incentives

Per the campaign site.

About Michael Skivington

Skivington is a Green Lake County Board Supervisor and a former public school teacher and university professor who holds a PhD in special education from UW-Madison, per his campaign site. He and his wife co-own Free Spirit Yoga and work in real estate.

Alex Dallman (Republican), Michael Skivington (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Alex Dallman is the sitting member, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission's incumbent listing and the Legislature's roster. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

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Wisconsin Assembly District 53Rachael Dowling (Independent) · David Daniels (R) · Becky Nichols (D)

Rachael Dowling Independent

Top priorities
  • Lower costs for gas, groceries, housing, utilities, and health care
  • Require environmental review of large-scale developments such as data centers before approval
  • Increase government transparency, including single-issue bills and public recording of government meetings

Per the campaign site.

About Rachael Dowling

Rachael Dowling has served as a Winnebago County Board Supervisor since 2022 and is a multi-small-business owner with nearly two decades of experience in operations and project management, per her campaign site. She is also an FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot and lives in Menasha. She is running as an independent for Wisconsin's 53rd Assembly District in the November 3, 2026 general election.

David Daniels Republican

David Daniels of Neenah is a husband, father, and small business owner, per Wisconsin Public Radio. He is the Republican nominee for Wisconsin's 53rd Assembly District in the November 3, 2026 general election, running for the open seat left by retiring Rep. Dean Kaufert. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Becky Nichols Democratic

Top priorities
  • Protect and expand affordable health care
  • Fully fund public schools and support teachers
  • Lower everyday costs, from groceries to childcare

Per the campaign site.

About Becky Nichols

Becky Nichols is a public school teacher and longtime Menasha resident who served 12 years on the Menasha City Council, per her campaign site. She is the Democratic nominee for the open seat in Wisconsin's 53rd Assembly District in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Rachael Dowling (Independent), David Daniels (Republican), Becky Nichols (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot. The seat is open: Dean R. Kaufert filed a notification of noncandidacy, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

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Wisconsin Assembly District 54Tim Paterson (R) · Lori Palmeri (D)

Tim Paterson Republican

Tim Paterson spent 33 years in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves, deployed twice overseas, served as a Blackhawk pilot, and retired as a lieutenant colonel, per a district voter guide. He was elected to the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors in 2024. He is the Republican nominee for Wisconsin's 54th Assembly District in the November 3, 2026 general election. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Lori Palmeri Democratic Incumbent

Lori Palmeri works as an international medical courier and previously served on the Oshkosh Common Council before completing two terms as Oshkosh Mayor, per her official legislator page. She holds a bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Studies from UW-Oshkosh and a master's degree in Urban Planning from UW-Milwaukee. She is the Democratic incumbent seeking reelection to the 54th Assembly District in the November 3, 2026 general election. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Tim Paterson (Republican), Lori Palmeri (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Lori Palmeri is the sitting member, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission's incumbent listing and the Legislature's roster. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

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Wisconsin Assembly District 55Nate Gustafson (R) · Alex Corrigan (D)

Nate Gustafson Republican Incumbent

Nate Gustafson represents Wisconsin's 55th Assembly District, per his official legislator page. He is the Republican incumbent seeking reelection in the November 3, 2026 general election. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Alex Corrigan Democratic

Alex Corrigan is the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin Assembly District 55 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Nate Gustafson (Republican), Alex Corrigan (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Nate Gustafson is the sitting member, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission's incumbent listing and the Legislature's roster. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

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Wisconsin Assembly District 57Kevin Krentz (R) · Joey Marschall (D)

Kevin Krentz Republican

Top priorities
  • Reduce regulatory burden and taxes on small business
  • Cut property taxes and address housing and energy affordability
  • Increase funding and legal protections for law enforcement

Per the campaign site.

About Kevin Krentz

Krentz is a farmer operating a multi-generational family farm in Waushara County that has been in his family since 1958, per his campaign site. He served as Aurora Town Board chairperson from 2010 to 2014 and as president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation from 2020 to 2023.

Joey Marschall Democratic

Top priorities
  • Treat health care as a basic right, not a luxury
  • Bring jobs, infrastructure and broadband investment to rural communities
  • Protect family farms in rural areas

Per the campaign site.

About Joey Marschall

Marschall has worked in factory positions at Baker Cheese and Mercury Marine, in property management, and currently in custodial and bartending roles, per his campaign site. He attended UW-Oshkosh, studying criminal justice, and founded the first Gay-Straight Alliance at Fond du Lac High School.

Kevin Krentz (Republican), Joey Marschall (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot. The seat is open: Kevin Petersen filed a notification of noncandidacy, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

Full race page
Wisconsin Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 13, 19
Wisconsin Senate District 13John Jagler (R) · Sasha Ripley (D)

John Jagler Republican Incumbent

Jagler is a realtor who also owns a family-run natural dog treat company and a communications consulting business, per his official legislator page. A former radio morning show host and news anchor, he served as communications director for Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald before his election to the Legislature. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Sasha Ripley Democratic

Ripley is a Marquette County educator who has worked as a public school and GED teacher, per her campaign announcement reported by Urban Milwaukee. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

John Jagler (Republican), Sasha Ripley (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; John Jagler is the sitting member, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission's incumbent listing and the Legislature's roster. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

Full race page
Wisconsin Senate District 19Rachael Ann Cabral-Guevara (R) · Emily Daniels Tseffos (D)

Rachael Ann Cabral-Guevara Republican Incumbent

Cabral-Guevara is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who founded Nurse Practitioner Health Services, LLC, in Appleton in 2014, per her official legislator page. She holds nursing degrees from UW-Oshkosh and UW-Milwaukee and chairs the Senate Committee on Health. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Emily Daniels Tseffos Democratic

Tseffos is chair of the Outagamie County Democratic Party and an active community organizer in the Fox Valley, per Civic Media. She ran for Assembly District 56 in 2024, losing to Republican David Murphy. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.

Rachael Ann Cabral-Guevara (Republican), Emily Daniels Tseffos (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Rachael Ann Cabral-Guevara is the sitting member, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission's incumbent listing and the Legislature's roster. Wisconsin has no runoffs; the August 11 partisan primary set each party's nominee, and unopposed nominees still print. The field is the Wisconsin Elections Commission's certified Candidates on Ballot list for the November 3, 2026 general election (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

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Voting info and more

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How to vote in Winnebago County

Verify your ballot with the official election office.

Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.

Wisconsin nominees were set by the August 11 partisan primary (plurality, no runoffs) and meet on the November 3 ballot; unopposed nominees still print. All 99 Assembly seats and the odd-numbered Senate districts are up, along with sheriff, clerk of circuit court and coroner in each county; county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds and district attorney were elected in 2024 and county executives, boards and judges are elected at the spring election, per the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Winnebago County 2026 election questions

Who is on the ballot in Winnebago County, Wisconsin on November 3, 2026?

Winnebago County sample ballot 2026: see where the county sheriff and clerk of circuit court candidates stand on health care, public safety and jobs. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.

When is the 2026 general election in Wisconsin?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Wisconsin are listed on the Wisconsin election hub. Wisconsin election hub →

How do I see my exact Winnebago County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →

Sample ballot by ZIP code in Winnebago County11 ZIP codes
Wisconsin statewide racesEvery Wisconsin race on this county's ballot.All Wisconsin ballot measures3 statewide ballot measures

Candidate roster last updated Sep 25, 2026 from official election sources.