Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen has endorsed former law enforcement officer Jim Piwowarczyk for Wisconsin state Assembly, raising Piwowarczyk’s background in law enforcement and “commitment to the area and to the community.”
Bensen, a Republican, joins a chorus of other top Washington County officials who have endorsed Piwowarczyk’s campaign for the open seat in the 98th Assembly District. The new 98th Assembly District encompasses parts of Waukesha and Washington Counties.
“The background that Jim has in law enforcement and the commitment to the area and to the community would make him a great legislator and leader for the State of Wisconsin,” said Bensen, in announcing his endorsement of Piwowarczyk, who served as a police officer for the Glendale and Kewaskum Police Departments. Piwowarczyk was a sergeant on the Glendale force.
Jim PIwowarczyk and DA Mark Bensen.
Piwowarczyk, 53, of the Town of Erin, is also the co-founder of Wisconsin Right Now, Wisconsin’s leading conservative news site, and he is a small business owner and real-estate broker. He was raised in Washington County, in Kewaskum.
Bensen joins a long list of key officials who have endorsed Piwowarczyk. Piwowarczyk was previously endorsed by Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, and Washington County Treasurer Scott Henke, who is the former City of Hartford mayor. He is also endorsed by Republican state Rep. Barbara Dittrich of Oconomowoc, Republican state Rep. Bob Donovan, Republican State Sen. Dan Knodl, and Republican businessman Will Martin.
Piwowarczyk was also endorsed by former Republican Attorney General candidate and Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney.
“I am thrilled to receive the endorsements of so many key and respected officials in Washington County and throughout the state,” Piwowarczyk said. “As a legislator, I will work very hard to protect public safety in Washington and Waukesha Counties and throughout Wisconsin and to reduce the tax and regulatory burden on citizens and small businesses.”
Bensen previously served in the U.S. attorney’s office. He has announced that he is stepping down as Washington County DA in November. Prosecutors Barry Braatz and Mandy Shepper are competing in a Republican primary to replace him. The seat Piwowarczyk is running for has no incumbent. The other candidate in the race is former legislator Don Pridemore, 77.
