Wisconsin State Representative Karen DeSanto and Sauk County Sheriff Candidate / Sauk City Village President Ryan P. Jesberger Announce Joint Endorsement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAUK COUNTY, Wis. -- Wisconsin State Representative Karen DeSanto (D-Baraboo) and Sauk County Sheriff Candidate / Sauk City Village President Ryan P. Jesberger announced a joint endorsement of each other’s campaigns this morning.
Jesberger, the Democratic nominee for Sauk County Sheriff, fully supports DeSanto’s 40th Assembly District re-election campaign based on her tireless advocacy for the residents of her district, proven track record of getting things done in Madison, and commitment to protecting our communities from rising costs.
The 40th District includes areas in both Sauk and Columbia counties, including the cities of Baraboo and Portage, and the villages of Merrimac, Pardeeville, Plain, Spring Green, West Baraboo, Prairie du Sac, and Sauk City.
“Representative DeSanto is a powerful, practical, and incredibly effective voice for the residents of our District at the State Capitol,” Jesberger said. “Her laser-like focus on lowering health and childcare costs, protecting our public schools, tax relief, and an unparalleled commitment to conservation efforts in our beautiful area of the state have made life better for all of us.”
Jesberger continued, “Whether it is helping secure funding for the Wisconsin River Recreational Bridge, advocating for public safety efforts, or simply working across the aisle to stand up for what is right and just, Karen’s efforts have created real-life positive impacts for thousands of people in Sauk City, Sauk County, and beyond. Let’s re-elect her and send her back to the Capitol so she can keep fighting for all of us. I am honored to offer my full endorsement for her re-election campaign.”
DeSanto, running for her second term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, believes that Ryan Jesberger is the right candidate for Sauk County Sheriff, citing his extensive law enforcement experience, proven leadership, and deep commitment to serving the people of Sauk County with compassion, accountability, and integrity.
"At a time when communities are looking for leaders who can embrace innovation, navigate change, and bring people together, Ryan Jesberger stands out as the clear choice for Sauk County Sheriff," said DeSanto. "Ryan understands that effective law enforcement is about more than enforcing laws. It is about building relationships, earning trust, showing compassion, and being present in the communities we serve."
DeSanto praised Jesberger's commitment to leading through ACTION: Accountability, Compassion, Transparency, Integrity, Optimism, and Neutrality.
"Ryan's leadership philosophy reflects the values that matter most to the people of Sauk County," DeSanto said. "He leads with action, but also with empathy. He understands that public safety is strongest when law enforcement works with citizens, not simply for them. His focus on transparency, accountability, and community engagement will help strengthen trust between the Sheriff's Office and the people it serves."
As sheriff, Jesberger has pledged to end the Flock and ICE 287(g) contracts on his first day in office and has voiced opposition to the proposed 765-kV transmission line project. He has consistently advocated for a community-centered approach to public safety that protects constitutional rights while ensuring effective law enforcement services.
"Sauk County deserves a sheriff who recognizes that leadership extends beyond public safety operations," DeSanto added. "Ryan has demonstrated that he can effectively manage organizations, lead exceptional teams, and responsibly oversee taxpayer resources. He understands that a sheriff must be both a community leader and a capable manager, entrusted with supporting and growing dedicated public service professionals, while maintaining sound stewardship of public budgets."
"Ryan Jesberger brings the experience, vision, compassion, and leadership our county needs for the future," DeSanto said. "I am proud to offer him my full endorsement for Sauk County Sheriff."
Both DeSanto and Jesberger are on the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, General Election Ballot.
