2026 Election: Washington County sheriff

Jeremy Bolen and Brian Mueller are running for Washington County sheriff in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 3, 2026, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting .

Washington County sheriff

Jeremy Bolen

Age: 45

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Jeremy Bolen (Courtesy of the Bolen for Sheriff campaign) My priorities would be rebuilding and maintaining safe staffing levels across patrol, corrections, and dispatch; improving recruitment and retention; and ensuring employees have manageable workloads, effective training, and the resources needed to do their jobs well. I would also prioritize expanded mental health and substance use services while strengthening transparency, accountability, and responsible oversight throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

22 Years of service with the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office serving in roles as a Volunteer Reserve Deputy, Community Service Office, Part-Time Deputy in Water Patrol, Deputy Sheriff working in Detention, Regions Hospital, Juvenile and Family Court, Patrol, Water Patrol, and supervisory roles in Patrol, Water Patrol and Administration.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

The primary role of government is to serve the citizens to the best of your ability, and to abide by the constitution.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

By giving citizens an open platform to be heard. As Sheriff, there will be times I will have to make decisions that may affect the citizens within Washington County. I strive to be transparent with unpopular decisions while giving citizens, who may disagree, the option to be heard. This will allow us to work and grow together.

Website or contact information: bolenforsheriff.com

Brian Mueller

Age: 53

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Brian Mueller (Courtesy of the candidate) My top priorities are reducing violent crime, strengthening our response to mental health and substance use challenges, taking care of those who serve, and providing community-focused service. Reducing violent crime means focusing resources on those who pose the greatest threat to our communities through proactive policing, strong investigations, and partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement. Mental health and substance use continue to have a significant impact on public safety. We need strong partnerships and collaborative response models that connect people in crisis with appropriate services, while being equally committed to holding accountable those who bring dangerous drugs into our communities. Taking care of those who serve means supporting the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who protect our communities every day. That includes providing the training, resources, leadership, and wellness support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while creating an organizational culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Community-focused service means ensuring the Sheriff’s Office remains visible, accessible, and connected to the people we serve. That requires strong relationships with residents, cities, schools, businesses, community organizations, and our public-safety partners throughout Washington County. These priorities are ultimately about building on what already works, supporting the people who serve our communities, and continuing to keep Washington County the safe community we all love.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am a lifelong Washington County resident, and my wife and I have raised our five children here. This community has always been home, and I have had the privilege of dedicating my entire 28-plus-year law enforcement career to serving the people of Washington County. I spent 23 years with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, serving in nearly every area of the organization and ultimately as Chief Deputy, where I was responsible for overseeing all Sheriff’s Office operations. For the past 5½ years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Stillwater Chief of Police. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in patrol, investigations, narcotics enforcement, SWAT operations, organizational leadership, budgeting, personnel management, and building strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies, local governments, and community organizations throughout Washington County. I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of St. Thomas and am a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. My lifelong connection to Washington County, combined with my education, experience, and decades of leadership, has given me a deep understanding of the communities we serve and the responsibilities of leading a modern Sheriff’s Office.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I believe the primary role of government is to provide essential services, protect public safety and individual rights, responsibly manage taxpayer resources, and create and environment where communities and individuals can thrive. Government should be accountable, transparent and responsive to the people it serves

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Throughout my career, I have learned that good leadership and community connections start with listening. I make a deliberate effort to seek out different perspectives, ask questions, and understand why someone may see an issue differently than I do. I believe you can disagree with someone while still treating them with dignity and respect. Some of the best decisions I have made as a leader came after listening to employees, community members, or partners who challenged my initial thinking. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, nor do I assume that I have all the answers. My responsibility as a leader is to listen, consider the facts and different perspectives, and be willing to adjust my position when I learn something new. Ultimately, respectful disagreement can make organizations and communities stronger when we are willing to listen to one another and work toward common ground. I have done this consistently in my career serving the citizens of Washington County and will continue to do so as the next Sheriff

Website or contact information: muellerforsheriff.com