Courthouse veteran wins support from voters across party lines
Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court Rebecca Matoska-Mentink and former Clerk of Circuit Court Gail Gentz have jointly endorsed Brian Sheffler to lead the office they have both served. Between them, Matoska-Mentink and Gentz have led the Clerk’s office for 38 years. Matoska-Mentink, retiring after her fifth and final term, and Gentz, who led the office for 18 years, have both worked alongside Brian inside the Kenosha County Courthouse and know what the job demands. “Becky and Gail set the standard for this office, and I’m honored to have their trust,” said Sheffler. “I’m ready to build on their work and keep our courts accessible, accountable, and responsible to the taxpayers we serve.” Early voting is underway. Find your early voting location and hours at myvote.wi.gov
Brian Sheffler’s campaign for Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court continues to build momentum with endorsements from City of Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala and Retired Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Milisauskas. Judge Milisauskas knows Brian’s work from the bench. He was among the Kenosha County judges who voted to appoint Brian as Register in Probate, and again as Juvenile Clerk. “I voted with the judges of Kenosha County to hire Brian as our Register in Probate and then again as our Juvenile Clerk. Now I’m voting to hire him as Kenosha County’s next Clerk of Circuit Court,” said Judge Milisauskas. Mayor Bogdala’s endorsement reflects his firsthand understanding of what it takes to manage the complex business of serving the public. He recognizes that experience matters in an office this important, and that Brian’s more than 26 years inside the Kenosha County Courthouse make him ready to lead on day one. “I’m grateful to Mayor Bogdala and Judge Milisauskas for their trust,” said Sheffler. “They’ve both seen what it takes to serve this community well, and I’m ready to bring that same commitment to the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office.” Early voting is underway. Find your early voting location and hours at myvote.wi.gov.
SHEFFLER: Law Enforcement & Courthouse have unique relationship, I'm honored to earn their trust.
KENOSHA, Wis. | Brian Sheffler, candidate for Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court, today responded to allegations published in recent weeks. "The allegations published about me are false," Sheffler said. "I've spent 28 years in and with the Kenosha County court system, and I take my responsibility to maintaining a safe, respectful workplace seriously. My record is public, and I'm glad people can read it for themselves." Sheffler further added, “Much of the confusion, assumptions, and innuendos implied could have been answered had the blog writer reached out for comment…he did reach out once, months ago, notifying the campaign he was routinely pulling my personnel file” In response to public records requests, the Village of Pleasant Prairie reported no disciplinary records, complaints, investigations, or settlement agreements involving Sheffler during his time as Municipal Court Clerk. The article also shared a memo sent by Municipal Judge Richard Ginkowski which stated that its purpose was "not to be reactive but rather proactive." Kenosha County likewise reported no harassment complaints, investigation, or discipline in his file. The article also alludes to an anti-harassment training however, this was routine training provided to courthouse clerk staff, the same kind of workplace training employers across our community provide. Sheffler also addressed a photograph circulated online. "I know that photo doesn't look good, and I understand why people noticed it," Sheffler said. "I took a break at my desk. I've cooperated fully with the county's review”. Sheffler said his focus remains on the office he is seeking. "This job is about making sure the courts work for every resident of Kenosha County. I'll keep improving access to our courts, maintain the trusted service people expect, and deliver fiscally responsible solutions that respect taxpayers. That's the conversation I want to have with voters and will continue to be my message going forward.” About Brian Sheffler Brian Sheffler has served as Kenosha County’s Register in Probate since 2018, unanimously appointed by all eight Kenosha County Circuit Court Judges. He was subsequently appointed as Kenosha County’s Juvenile Clerk. He began his courthouse career as a high school intern in 1998, worked in law offices across Kenosha and Racine Counties, and served as Clerk of the Pleasant Prairie Municipal Court from 2010 to 2018. He helped keep Kenosha County court operations running through the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest of 2020. He currently serves on the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition which helps protect older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Records referenced in this release are available at www.brianforkenosha.com/facts .
KENOSHA, WI – Brian Sheffler, Kenosha County’s Register in Probate and Juvenile Clerk formally welcomed Zachary Rodriguez as a candidate to become Kenosha County’s next Clerk of Circuit Court. Rodriguez, a previous candidate for the office, joined the race on Friday, May 29th. Sheffler declared his candidacy on April 13th. The two will face off in the November 3rd general election to succeed current Clerk, Rebecca Matoska-Mentink, who is retiring at the end of her term. “In the coming months, I look forward to the opportunity to share with voters the differences between Zach and I, our visions for the future, and our plans to ensure that our courts run smoothly and effectively.” Sheffler brings over twenty-five years of direct court and legal experience and has actively worked in the Kenosha County Courthouse for the past eight years as Kenosha County’s Register in Probate following his unanimous appointment by Kenosha County’s judges in 2018. He was subsequently appointed Kenosha County’s Juvenile Clerk in 2020. “Every day I see the long and the short of those in need in Kenosha County. Whether it be an adult needing a guardianship to receive care or avoid financial exploitation or children who may be in need of protective services.” Sheffler remarked. “I encourage anyone interested in the future of our community to learn more about me and my vision for our courts at www.brian4kenosha.com.” ###
Contact: campaign@brianforkenosha.com KENOSHA, WI — Brian Sheffler, Kenosha County’s Register in Probate and Juvenile Clerk, formally announced his candidacy for Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court. The announcement follows the decision by current Clerk Rebecca Matoska-Mentink not to seek another term, opening the door for new leadership in one of the courthouse’s most critical administrative roles. A graduate of Bradford High School and the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Sheffler has devoted his professional life to the Kenosha County judicial community and is eager to bring a fresh perspective and modern approach to the Clerk’s office. “I’m eager to share my vision for a more accessible, efficient, and navigable judicial system in Kenosha County,” he said. “My story started as a courthouse intern, and it has been a life’s honor to serve in various capacities in the legal and justice community.” Absent a Democratic primary, the general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Sheffler’s more than 25 years in the legal and courthouse community provide a depth of experience. He first came to the Kenosha County Courthouse as a high school intern through Bradford’s Co-Op program, later worked as a legal assistant at law firms across Kenosha and Racine Counties, and became Municipal Court Clerk for the Village of Pleasant Prairie in 2010. In 2018, he was unanimously appointed Register in Probate and Juvenile Clerk by all eight Kenosha County circuit court judges — a role in which he has overseen hundreds of probate cases, guardianships, and sensitive juvenile matters each year. When our courts faced disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic and the riots of 2020, Sheffler helped ensure operations continued and was instrumental in safely reopening the courts. “I look forward to meeting thousands of neighbors across our county to hear what they feel needs to be improved, and to tell them about why I want to be their next Clerk of Circuit Court,” he said. With decades of experience, Sheffler is best positioned to strengthen partnerships between judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and the broader Kenosha community that make the judicial system function. “Access to justice is your constitutional right and I will ensure Court operations guarantees that,” he said. “Court administration is more than just filling out forms, it’s about helping people.”His platform prioritizes access to the courts, a high standard of public service, and fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Active in the Kenosha County community, Sheffler is a founding member of the Pleasant Prairie Historical Society, a longtime supporter of the Kenosha Chamber Choir, Kindred Kitties, the Lakeland Animal Shelter, and the Wisconsin Humane Society. He also currently serves as President of the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association and President of the Board of Directors for the HOPE Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. He is a member of the Wisconsin Juvenile Court Clerk’s Association and a past member and committee chair of the Wisconsin Municipal Court Clerk’s Association. Sheffler served as a district mentor for new clerks in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties. He has sharpened his expertise through the Municipal Court Clerks Institute, Kenosha County’s Living as a Leader Program, the Master Class for Civic and Public Affairs at UW–Green Bay, and programming through the National Association of Counties and the National Center for State Courts. Voters can learn more about Brian Sheffler at www.brian4kenosha.com or join us at an announcement event to be announced shortly. ###
