Incumbent Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda is the official winner of the partisan primary, defeating challenger Mike McFadden 2,810 votes to 1,956. The Board of Canvassers certified the results on Aug. 17.

Both men ran on the Republican ticket in the Aug. 11 primary. Koranda will appear on the November ballot unopposed as no Democratic candidate has declared their candidacy. However, the Democratic ticket had 689 write-ins for sheriff.

Koranda was first elected sheriff in 2022. Koranda has been employed full-time with Pierce County Sheriff’s Office since April 2005. His entire law enforcement career has been spent with Pierce County. He started as a dispatcher and jailer and worked his way up to patrol sergeant during previous sheriff Nancy Hove’s tenure. He was also the department’s Use of Force Instructor, otherwise known as DAAT Instructor (Defense and Arrest Tactics), and served for eight years in the DARE Officer role.

Koranda said he couldn’t be happier with the amount of support he received.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote and support me. I also want to thank those who supported me but may not have had the opportunity to vote because this was a partisan race,” Koranda said. “I truly believe the numbers would have looked much different in a nonpartisan race.”

Koranda said his first priority now that the primary is behind him is to circle back and make sure he hears employees’ concerns, ideas and thoughts moving forward.

“I want to continue building an environment where our employees feel heard and valued. I also want to do a better job of tapping into and embracing the many talents, skills and experiences our staff have to offer, including people like Sergeant McFadden,” Koranda said.

The next four years, if he is elected in November, will be busy.

“First, we need to celebrate and embrace the anticipated move into the new courthouse. It will change the way we've operated for many years, and I believe it presents some great opportunities for Pierce County,” Koranda said. “The possibility of adding another judge could further improve the efficiency of our court system, and we are excited to be part of that transition.

“I also want to make sure our employees have opportunities to attend training that interests them and, most importantly, training that brings the greatest benefit back to Pierce County. Investing in our people ultimately means investing in the communities we serve.

“Please remember that the Office of Sheriff is just as much yours as it is mine. This office belongs to the people of Pierce County, and I want to continue being accessible and willing to listen. I am always willing to hear your concerns, thoughts and recommendations. I may not always have the answer you want to hear, but I will always be willing to have the conversation.’

McFadden posted his gratitude to voters on his Facebook page.

“I want to thank everyone that came out and voted in this election. There is so much more going on in Wisconsin than just things here in Pierce County. I think this was probably the best turnout that Pierce County had in a primary in a while. I want to congratulate Sheriff Koranda on the election tonight. Best of luck moving forward to November.

“To all of those that supported our campaign, we cannot thank you enough. The fact that over 1900 votes came in for us, even taking a few of the townships, is such an encouragement. Keep engaging in the good fight of faith and for freedom. There are still a lot of attacks coming against us, our country, our rights, etc.”

McFadden, originally from Texas, became a PCSO patrol deputy in January 2024. Since that time, he has been promoted to sergeant on the night patrol shift. He is also a member of the Emergency Response Unit team, a field training officer, a Taser instructor and one of the few law enforcement certified phlebotomists in the state.

Prior to coming to Wisconsin, he served in the military for 15 years, was a strength and conditioning coach at the Division 1 U.S Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and an interim pastor at various churches.

The Pierce County vote totals are broken down like this, according to the Pierce County Clerk’s Office:

Town of Clifton

Koranda – 202

McFadden – 118

Town of Diamond Bluff

Koranda – 42

McFadden – 45

Town of Ellsworth

Koranda – 111

McFadden - 109

Town of El Paso

Koranda – 52

McFadden – 39

Town of Gilman

Koranda – 88

McFadden – 44

Town of Hartland

Koranda – 75

McFadden – 62

Town of Isabelle

Koranda – 27

McFadden – 26

Town of Maiden Rock

Koranda – 49

McFadden – 44

Town of Martell

Koranda – 91

McFadden - 83

Town of Oak Grove

Koranda – 190

McFadden – 133

Town of River Falls

Koranda – 228

McFadden – 193

Town of Rock Elm

Koranda – 58

McFadden – 24

Town of Salem

Koranda – 40

McFadden – 39

Town of Spring Lake

Koranda – 62

McFadden – 38

Town of Trenton

Koranda – 109

McFadden – 115

Town of Trimbelle

Koranda – 158

McFadden – 191

Town of Union

Koranda – 47

McFadden – 41

Village of Bay City

Koranda – 39

McFadden – 27

Village of Ellsworth

Koranda – 267

McFadden – 198

Village of Elmwood

Koranda – 0

McFadden - 0

Village of Maiden Rock

Koranda – 7

McFadden – 6

Village of Plum City

Koranda – 45

McFadden – 36

Village of Spring Valley (Pierce Co. portion)

Koranda – 76

McFadden – 81

City of Prescott

Koranda – 223

McFadden – 116

City of River Falls (Wards 6-9)

Koranda – 194

McFadden – 107

City of River Falls (Wards 10-13)

Koranda – 59

McFadden – 23

City of River Falls (Wards 14-18)

Koranda – 271

McFadden – 88

The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.