Upset in Winnebago County Executive Race

OSHKOSH, WI- (WISS) – One of the biggest local races on the Spring Ballot in Northeast Wisconsin took place in Winnebago County. Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel was unseated by challenger and former Assemblyman for Wisconsin’s 54th District Gordon Hintz.

Just under 3,500 votes separated the contenders, with Hintz collecting 30,832 to Doemel’s 27,374 votes. With about 53 percent of the vote, Hintz repeated his strong showing in the February Primary election.

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Hintz expressed gratitude for winning the election but saw it as a continuation of the voters’ voices throughout Winnebago County.

“It was, actually, really good,” he said. “Not just in my race, but, obviously, in the Crawford race. The school referendum in Oshkosh passed. And people that I supported on the city council and the school board won. So I feel good across the board.”

Hintz said he is ready to get to work on several priorities.

“You know, I think one of the biggest things is figuring out what is happening with the proposed Federal Cuts right now. Especially as they impact the state and perhaps impact the county directly, whether it’s Medicaid or Public Health dollars. Making sure we have a contingency plan in place,” Hintz said. “But a lot of it for me is going to be improving communication with the County Board. Improving communication with local governments in the county, and finding new ways to engage with the community.”

Doemel, who started his term as County Executive in 2021, made his concession statement on social media.

“Christ is my king, and he allowed me to be a shepherd to the poor, the addict, the lonely, and the hungry in the last four years,” Doemel said. “And it was the greatest honor – One of the greatest honors of my life to serve people. And just cut through it and do the right thing.”