In a tightly contested race, Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski has emerged victorious, garnering 40,029 votes against his Democratic challenger Jon Barber, who received 38,831 votes. This election, held on November 5, 2024, drew significant attention not just for the close results but also for the controversies surrounding Zuchowski’s campaign.
Zuchowski, a Republican, has faced backlash in recent months for a now-deleted Facebook post in which he encouraged followers to document the addresses of supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris. This statement raised alarms and prompted the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to send a letter condemning his comments as a threat to First Amendment rights. The U.S. Department of Justice subsequently announced its intention to monitor voting in Portage County to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws.
Despite the turmoil, Zuchowski managed to pull ahead of Barber after the final tally was released. The election also saw approximately 2,100 provisional ballots and around 1,100 absentee ballots still to be counted, which may further influence the final results.
Having first been elected sheriff in 2020, Zuchowski’s campaign has not been without controversy. His earlier comments on social media, including a dismissive post about critics, drew widespread condemnation. In his post, he suggested that supporters of Harris, whom he referred to in derogatory terms, could be targeted based on their campaign signage. This incited a wave of concern regarding safety and racism, leading to demands for his resignation.
After winning the election, Zuchowski took to social media again, seemingly addressing his critics. He posted a GIF of a teddy bear with the caption, “So many haters, not enough room on my a** for their lips,” which many interpreted as a dismissive response to the backlash he faced during the campaign. This flippant remark has only added fuel to the fire, raising further questions about his approach to leadership.
On the other hand, Barber, who previously expressed a desire to implement a community policing approach and restore trust within the Sheriff’s Office, faced challenges in a race that many voters reported was not their primary reason for voting. The election results reflect a divided electorate; while Zuchowski’s supporters celebrated his win, many others voiced strong disapproval.
As Zuchowski prepares to take office for another four-year term, the implications of his controversial statements and actions will likely continue to resonate throughout Portage County. The community remains polarized, with calls for accountability and discussions about the future of law enforcement in the region.
In summary, Bruce Zuchowski’s re-election raises questions about community trust in law enforcement and the potential ramifications of a sheriff whose rhetoric has been perceived as inflammatory. The Portage County Sheriff’s Office will face significant scrutiny in the coming months as residents seek to understand the implications of this election.