Editor’s note: A press release from the Walworth County Clerk on December 15 announced that Sheriff David Gerber [a City of Whitewater resident] had filed non-candidacy papers indicating that it is not his intention to run for the Sheriff’s Office in the November 3, 2026 election. The release concluded, “Those interested in running for County offices may contact the Walworth County Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing the Campaign Registration Statement, Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination papers [for Sheriff] is 5:00 p.m., June 1, 2026.”
In response to The Banner’s inquiry as to whether he would care to make a statement related to this decision, Sheriff Gerber provided the following.
“It has been an honor to serve as the Walworth County Sheriff over the past 3 years. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity. We have a great team here at the Sheriff’s Office, and I am proud to serve with each of them. We honor our mission statement daily to protect and serve the citizens of Walworth County. Throughout my tenure, I have remained committed to my oath and worked diligently to ensure our County remains a safe place to live and work. Over the past three years, our agency has accomplished a great deal, and we take pride in the high level of service we provide. Cooperatively, all law enforcement and first responders in Walworth County dedicate themselves daily in service to our communities. Our first Sheriff took office in 1839, and last year was our 185th anniversary. I am proud to be a part of our agency’s legacy as your 44th Sheriff; however, I will not be seeking re-election next year. I plan to retire at the end of this term, having served the citizens of Walworth County for nearly 32 years throughout my career.”
The Banner asked Sheriff Gerber what accomplishments he is most proud of thus far in his tenure, and he gave this response: “Accomplishments have been the work our team has done on many significant projects, such as the completion of the deputy assigned squad program, the completion of the new digital radio system for dispatch, police, fire, EMS, and DPW throughout the whole County, PEER support for our staff, and filling many vacancies in all areas of the Sheriff’s Office.”
