Dane County voters have made their voices heard in the primary election, with state Sen. Melissa Agard and County Board Supervisor Dana Pellebon advancing to the November runoff for the county executive position. The race aims to fill the seat left vacant by former County Executive Joe Parisi, who stepped down in May after a decade in office.
According to preliminary results, Agard secured a decisive victory, garnering 57% of the votes, while Pellebon trailed with 17.3%. The remaining candidates, Dane County Equity and Inclusion Director Wes Sparkman and Madison City Council Ald. Regina Vidaver, did not advance, receiving 10.1% and 14.8% of the vote, respectively.
With over 378,000 ballots cast, voter turnout was significantly higher than in previous primary elections, reaching 43%. The November 5 election will determine who will serve the remainder of Parisi’s term, which ends in April 2025. The winner must then run again in the spring to secure a full four-year term.
Both Agard and Pellebon are seasoned political figures with deep ties to Dane County. Agard, who has served in the state Senate since 2020, has prioritized issues such as housing, climate change, racial disparities, and workforce development. Her campaign promises to continue advocating for these initiatives across Dane County.
Pellebon, a Dane County Supervisor, has emphasized reforms in the criminal justice system, expanding housing access, and supporting local farmers. Her background in county-level governance and commitment to community service resonate strongly with her supporters.
The county executive role is pivotal, with responsibilities including managing county government agencies, overseeing services, and appointing department heads. The position carries a four-year term and an annual salary of $142,420.
As the campaign season intensifies, both candidates will continue to engage with residents across Dane County, each vying to secure the support needed to lead the county into a new era of governance. The November election is expected to be closely watched, as the outcome will set the tone for the county’s future leadership and policy direction.
The primary election also saw significant outcomes in the Wisconsin Legislature, particularly in Dane County. Several key Democratic races were decided, with winners likely to secure their seats in the November election due to a lack of Republican opposition.
Renuka Mayadev won the primary for Assembly District 77, becoming the first South Asian woman to serve in the Wisconsin Assembly.
Randy Udell secured a narrow victory in Assembly District 47.
Andrew Hysell emerged as the Democratic nominee in Assembly District 48.