KENOSHA, WISCONSIN–Today, Congressman Bryan Steil received the endorsements of a bipartisan group of sheriffs from Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.
At a press conference in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse, Steil received the endorsements: Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell; Racine County Sheriff Chris Schmaling; Waukesha County Sheriff Eric Severson; Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth; Richard Schmidt, Milwaukee County Sheriff (Retired); and David Graves, Walworth County Sheriff (Retired).
“I am honored to have earned the support of our sheriffs. Standing in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse with our sheriffs and reflecting on the situation that unfolded here just weeks ago was powerful. These are challenging times, but I will always boldly support law enforcement and work to ensure they have needed resources to keep everyone safe. I am grateful for our sheriffs’ support and for their partnership as we work to strengthen our communities and create a more perfect union,” said Steil.
“Congressman Steil is a true friend and supporter of law enforcement. I serve on his Law Enforcement and Fire advisory committee and am grateful for his engagement and true passion for public safety. He has reached out regularly for input on important issues and he is a great advocate and leader for all of us doing this important and challenging work. I am proud to continue my support of Congressman Bryan Steil,” said Waukesha County Sheriff Eric Severson.
“Congressman Bryan Steil is a genuine ally to law enforcement in Southeast Wisconsin. As Sheriff of Walworth County, I personally know Bryan’s unwavering commitment to public safety and serving the citizens of Walworth County to strengthen our community. Bryan will continue his dedicated support for law enforcement in his second term as our Congressman,” said Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell.
“When I looked for assistance from the federal government to help protect Kenosha during the August riots, Congressman Bryan Steil was my first call to get those resources coming our way. I’m proud to fully support Bryan’s reelection to Congress,” said Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth.
“Congressman Steil firmly believes that government’s fundamental role is the protection of its people. I have seen Bryan’s boots-on-the-ground leadership firsthand during COVID-19 and the recent civil unrest and destruction. We need strong and unwavering leadership that supports law and order during these challenging times. I fully support Congressman Steil’s re-election, and I ask Wisconsinites to do the same,” said Racine County Sheriff Chris Schmaling.
“Bryan Steil is the epitome of law and order, he possesses an incredible work ethic, and is a tenacious fighter for his district. During the Kenosha riots, Bryan Steil took the initiative to fight through the Washington system to get on the phone with the President, and urge him to call the Governor, and send the appropriate number of National Guard soldiers to protect people and property from utter destruction. The mission was accomplished! As the former Sheriff of Milwaukee County, and now Pastor of a church where many come from Kenosha, I endorse Bryan Steil,” said Richard Schmidt, Milwaukee County Sheriff (Retired).
“Bryan Steil is an outstanding representative for the 1st Congressional District. His ability to recognize problems, seek resolutions while maintaining a common sense approach, is a huge benefit to all of his constituents. I have endorsed Congressman Steil for re-election because I feel confident he can address and help fix the problems we face today. Congressman Steil stands with local law enforcement. As a 42-year veteran of law enforcement, I stand with Congressman Steil,” said David Graves, Walworth County Sheriff (Retired).
Steil’s Pro-Law Enforcement Record in Congress
- Worked with President Trump to bring federal resources to Kenosha to restore public safety and end violence.
- Voted for legislation to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program.
- Proactive outreach to law enforcement across Southeast Wisconsin on police reform legislation pending in Congress, numerous ride-alongs and meetings with local police departments and sheriff’s departments.
- Cosponsor of the POWER Act, which gives law enforcement funding to protect officers from fentanyl and other dangerous chemicals.
- Cosponsor of the JUSTICE Act, which increases funding for body cameras and de-escalation training, and ensures law enforcement departments retain only the best officers.
- Cosponsor of the Protect and Serve Act, which creates a new criminal offense for those who assault law enforcement and cause, or attempt to cause, serious injury.
