Opinion editor's note: Editorial endorsements represent the opinions of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom. The board bases its endorsement decisions on candidate interviews and other reporting.
As a top law enforcement leader in the Twin Cities region, the next Hennepin County sheriff will play a critical role in addressing citizen concerns about rising violent crime and racial justice. But the new sheriff's priorities must also include restoring the office's stability and credibility.
Sheriff David Hutchinson is not seeking re-election after a tumultuous term that's ending with him on medical leave after he pleaded guilty to drunken driving in connection with a December 2021 crash. Hutchinson is also facing hostile-workplace complaints and questions about his personal use of county funds.
Three candidates are vying to replace Hutchinson in the Aug. 9 primary, and the Star Tribune Editorial Board is endorsing Dawanna Witt and Jai Hanson. Voters can pick one candidate in the primary, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.
The November outcome will make history: The winner will be the first person of color to serve the county as sheriff. The office has a budget of $128 million and oversees the county jail, conducts undercover narcotics investigations and is responsible for homeland security and enforcement on county waters.
Witt, 48, would be familiar with the office's operations. She already supervises nearly 500 of its 800-plus employees as the major in charge of court security and the jail. She began her career in law enforcement in 1999 as a detention deputy in the sheriff's office.
Witt joined the Dakota County Sheriff's Office in 2004 and rose through the ranks to become the first female captain. She earned praise for working with people inside and outside the office before returning to Hennepin County in 2019.
Witt has graduate degrees in management and public safety administration, and has other academic credentials in chemical dependency, family therapy and police science.