Candidate Forums

Washington County Sheriff Primary June 27, 2026

Candidates Jeremy Bolen, Henry Mathia, and Brian R. Mueller

answer questions. The forum is divided in sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00 Forum Introduction

2:50 Candidate Opening Statements

7:01 Question 1: What do you see as the most challenging issue for the Sheriff’s Department and what actions would you take to address the challenge?

11:57 Question 2: What role, if any, do you think that the Sheriff’s department should play in immigration enforcement? If there is a role, how should this be balanced with all the department’s other duties to continue to ensure local public safety?

17:07 Question 3: There are eight counties in Minnesota that have entered into contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) per section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Washington County is not one of them. What is your position on whether the county should enter into a 287(g) contract and train officers and legally empower them to enforce federal immigration laws on behalf of the federal government? Why or why not?

21:34 Question 4: Work in law enforcement can be stressful and increases the risk of some chronic diseases. As Sheriff, what steps will you take to proactively support the physical and mental well-being of your staff?

26:54 Question 5: In terms of responding to someone in crisis in the community, what steps can be taken to de-escalate a mental health crisis and reduce the risk of violent outcomes, injury or death?

32:38 Question 6: What are the actions you would take to promote racial awareness, address implicit bias, and strengthen relationships with diverse communities in Washington County?

37:27 Question 7: What can law enforcement do to minimize gun violence and increase community safety?

42:38 Question 8: A press release from the Sheriff dated Feb. 4, 2026, indicated that the department’s Drug Task Force has been investigating and pursuing sex and labor trafficking crimes. How pervasive is this problem in Washington County, and what more, if anything, can the department do to investigate and arrest the individuals involved?

48:10 Question 9: The Sheriff’s Department has seen an increase in the number of calls and complaints relating to e-bikes such as accidents, near-crashes and unsafe riding in public parks. What steps do you think the department should take to address e-bike safety?

52:25 Candidates Closing Statements

Judicial 10th District Court, Seat 38, Washington County, July 11, 2026

Candidates Mack Guptil, Ben Lacy and Rebecca A. Waxse answer voter questions.

The two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes in the August 11th primary will proceed to the general election in November. The forum is divided into sections for easy viewing. See the topics and time markers below:

0:00 Forum overview

2:35 Candidate opening statements

7:14 Question 1: In your own words, describe the three key roles and responsibilities of a district court judge.

11:34 Question 2: What do you think are the two or three biggest challenges for the District Court and what would you do to address them?

16:37 Question 3: What percentage of your legal career has been spent practicing in this specific Minnesota Judicial District, and how does that familiarity prepare you for this seat?

21:37 Question 4: Given that District Court handles criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters, how would you efficiently get up to speed on areas of law you have not heavily practiced?

26:36 Question 5: How would you describe your judicial philosophy and how would it guide your work as a judge?

31:29 Question 6: Many people believe that our criminal justice system does not provide equal justice for all. Is that a large problem and if so, how can the court address that concern?

36:38 Question 7: How do you intend to maintain a visible connection to the local community while strictly adhering to the ethical boundaries required of a sitting judge?

41:29 Question 8: How do you plan to manage a caseload and prioritize cases so they are heard in a timely manner?

46:32 Question 9: How would you handle a situation where your personal beliefs conflict with established law or legal precedent? Can you use an example?

51:19 Question 10: What are the most pressing community issues related to the courts and law enforcement?

56:10 Question 11: How do you plan to ensure impartiality and fairness in your rulings?

1:01:10 Question 12: How would you maintain courtroom decorum in a highly contentious and emotional case?

1:06:15 Candidate Closing Statements