March 26, 2026 – Washington Co., Wi – There is a write-in candidate now challenging an incumbent in Dist. 4 of the Washington County Supervisor’s race. On April 7, 2026, all Washington County Supervisors are up for election.
Two seats out of 21 were initially contested including Dist. 1 Joseph Vespalec who is challenged by Tom Funk. In District 13, Brian Gallitz is challenged by Danah Zoulek.
As of March 23, 2026, Michael Hennes filed to run as a write-in candidate in Dist. 4 challenging incumbent Chris Bossert.
An email from Hennes stated, “I am now officially recognized as a write-in candidate for the Washington County Board of Supervisors District 4.
Who am I, and what motivates my decision to pursue this opportunity at this time?
Let’s begin with the reason: In recent years, I’ve noticed growing polarization among
elected officials at all levels—local, state, and federal. Tensions reached a high point last
week when local representatives raised their voices at more than 100 worried constituents
and declined to listen to their concerns. We are told that our government is of the people,
by the people, and for the people—at least, that’s what we were taught in school. If elected
o8icials disregard the people they represent, it’s a clear sign that the government isn’t
working as it should.
First of all, I believe EVERYONE IS WELCOME and EVERYONE HAS A VOICE. This cannot be
simpler. What happened last week can not and should not occur.
Which direction do I lean? I don’t, I am about as moderate as you could find. I choose
candidates, not parties. I’ve voted for Democrats, Republicans, and independents. I
endorse the individual whose perspectives and principles most closely align with my own.
I do not, nor will I in the future, affiliate myself with any specific political party. I consider
this to be one of my greatest strengths. I am both ready and capable of collaborating with
all parties to achieve reasonable and satisfactory solutions.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed county projects and programs that have
succeeded as well as those that have failed. I’ve noticed tax dollars being spent on projects
that aren’t necessary, while other necessary projects are ignored. I have observed
programs fail to receive adequate support, even when they demonstrate effectiveness.
County tax dollars should be allocated to projects and initiatives that provide the greatest
benefit. At present, this is not consistently the situation. We need to reassess our budget
priorities. Allocating tax funds to proven, impactful programs, enduring infrastructure
projects and maintenance are essential for sustainable development and fiscal
responsibility.
Enough about the reasons, now, let me introduce myself. I am Michael J. Hennes, originally
from the Fox Valley area. I was born, raised, and returned to Wisconsin after serving in the
military. Since 1998 I’ve lived and worked in Washington County as a public servant.
During my time in the Air Force, I served as a member of the Security Police services.
While in Technical College, I worked as a police dispatcher, community service officer, and patrol officer in several Fox Valley communities. During my time in Washington County, I have served as a patrol officer, led specialty teams, and worked as a first-line supervisor. I am a father of 2 adult children, and I am proud to say both have chosen careers in public service.
One of my children is a special education high school teacher in a nearby school district,
while the other has chosen a career as a member of the military. My wife of over 27 years is an escrow specialist and licensed title examiner with a national corporation.
I am running a 100% word of mouth, on-line, social media campaign. I can not and will not
accept donations of any kind. I do this for many reasons, mostly because I will not be
indentured to any person, political party or corporation. I am counting on my friends and
neighbors to support this effort by word of mouth and social sharing.
On April 7, 2026, let your voices be heard.
Write -in
Michael J. Hennes
Washington County Board of Supervisors District 4Â
Calls have been placed to Hennes to ask why he jumped into the race so late. Initial paperwork to collect signatures went out in early January 2026.
Hennes’s candidacy was approved just 15 days before Election Day.
Mail-in ballots have already gone out and in-person absentee voting is already underway.
Some conversations suggest the candidacy could be tied to a discussion at the executive committee meeting when supervisors discussed adding a memorial name to CTH K as Charlie Kirk Way.
During the meeting Bossert said, “I want to thank you for passing this along to the full board so we can all discuss and debate this. I’m in favor of this. I like the idea of getting money through donations better, but I would also be okay with using taxes.”
The full county board will vote on the highway memorial naming proposal on April 21, 2026. The initial time was 7:30 a.m. although an official agenda has yet to be posted.
Below are the meeting minutes from the March 18, 2026, executive committee meeting.
Meetings1528Minutes_20260325104858795Click arrow in lower left corner to advance the page.
Below are all the races on the April 7, 2026 ballot in Washington County, WI.
Certification of Ballot - 4-7-26Click arrow in lower left corner to advance the page.
