Candidates Barry Braatz and Mandy Schepper have each announced major law enforcement endorsements as the two prosecutors compete to become Washington County DA.

Braatz announced the endorsement of Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis. Schepper announced that she was endorsed by The Fraternal Order of Police Kettle Moraine Lodge #10. Both are running as Republicans in the August primary.

“My involvement in this race came with much consideration and numerous conversations with law enforcement officials throughout our community and surrounding communities, after which my decision became clear – Barry Braatz is the proven prosecutor Washington County deserves leading the District Attorney’s Office,” said Schulteis.

“The safety and protection of all Washington County families has been, and continues to be, my number one priority. I know that Barry shares that same priority and he will be a strong partner with law enforcement in holding criminals accountable and keeping our communities safe. That is why he has my complete endorsement to be our next Washington County District Attorney,” Schulteis concluded.

“Sheriff Schulteis joins Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, County Treasurer Scott Henke, State Senators Duey Stroebel, Dan Knodl, and Dan Feyen, State Assemblymen Rick Gundrum, Rob Brooks, Paul Melotik, and Ty Bodden, as well as numerous other Washington County community leaders, in endorsing Braatz. For more information, including a full list of endorsements, visit barrybraatz.com,” Braatz said.

On the same day, Schepper announced the endorsement from the police lodge.

“I am pleased to announce and accept the endorsement of the Kettle Moraine Lodge 10 of the Fraternal Order of Police. Their words of support are humbling and sincerely appreciated. As the only candidate in the race for Washington County District Attorney with ties to Washington County, I have spent my career fighting for justice and accountability. The strong partnerships I have formed with State and Local Law Enforcement have and will continue to ensure the public safety within Washington County,” she wrote.

Braatz, deputy Fond du Lac County DA under Republican Eric Toney, worked as a student practitioner in the Washington County DA’s office in 2016. He was raised nearby on a dairy farm and attended Campbellsport High School. He was also a prosecutor in the Racine and Waushara County District Attorney’s Offices.

Schepper, an assistant DA in Washington County for 17 years, was named deputy DA by outgoing DA Mark Bensen in April. He endorsed her candidacy.

The Lodge, headquartered in Washington County, represents 213 officers, Lodge officials wrote in a press release.

“The endorsement of Mandy Schepper is based on our direct working knowledge of her talents as a prosecutor in Washington County over the course of the past 17 years,” the Lodge wrote. Regardless of their rank or tenure nearly every member of Lodge 10 has had experience working side by side with Mandy over the years and have been witness to her passion, commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to her profession and the citizens she serves,” they wrote.

They noted that her husband is a law enforcement officer in a neighboring community.