Endorsements
“Joe is a 29-year veteran of the office and has experience with all of its responsibilities. He is an expert at the administration of the office, has a tremendous reputation among the Dakota County Law Enforcement community, and is an intelligent, forward thinking leader dedicated to serving the residents of the county. We are fortunate to have him as our sheriff.” Tim Leslie – Dakota County Sheriff 2015-2022 (retired)
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena
“I have seen Joe Leko develop into one of the exceptional leaders in law-enforcement. Joe has demonstrated these skills in some of the most difficult situations. His commitment to the community and the Sheriff’s Office is unequaled. He is a great Dakota County Sheriff.” Dave Bellows - Dakota County Sheriff 2010-2014 (retired)
Retired Dakota County Sheriff, Fillmore County Sheriff, Stearns County Sheriff, Steele County Sheriff Don Gudmundson
“I had the privilege of working with four outstanding Sheriffs during my 33 years as Dakota County Attorney, and I can tell you without any hesitation that this same level of excellence continues with Joe Leko as Dakota County Sheriff. In my opinion, no one is more qualified for this important public safety leadership position.” James Backstrom - Dakota County Attorney 1987-2021 (retired)
“I strongly and unequivocally endorse Joe Leko for re-election as Sheriff of Dakota County. Sheriff Leko is a proven leader with decades of real-world law enforcement experience, and he has demonstrated the kind of steady, principled command that today’s environment demands. He understands the law, supports his deputies, and prioritizes both public safety and accountability without compromise. At a time when effective leadership matters more than ever, Dakota County cannot afford to turn away from experience, integrity, and results. Sheriff Joe Leko has earned the trust of his community and the respect of those in the profession—he is the clear and right choice to continue serving as Sheriff.” Imran Ali – (attorney, author, CEO at LETAC USA)
“I fully endorse Sheriff Joe Leko for re-election as Dakota County Sheriff. I have worked along side Sheriff Leko for the past 9 years and can say, without a doubt, he is the right person to lead Dakota County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Leko has proven that he can lead with integrity, compassion and is very thoughtful in his decision making. Sheriff Leko puts his heart and soul into the job and leads from the front. Do your research and I believe you will come to the same conclusion, Sheriff Leko is the choice when you go to the polls.” Dave Wilske – Hastings Chief of Police 2022-2026 (retired)
“Leko is one of them good ones and it was an honor to work side by side with him over 8 years. Please lend your support in re-electing Joe as Dakota County Sheriff.” Bryan Schafer – Hastings Chief of Police 2013-2022 (retired)
“After more than 30 years in law enforcement — including serving the citizens of Farmington as Chief of Police — I am now proudly retired from public service. That said, I still care deeply about the safety of our communities and the quality of the leaders entrusted to serve them. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse my friend, Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko , for reelection as Dakota County Sheriff. Sheriff Leko is a man of integrity, professionalism, and steady leadership. Throughout my career, I had the privilege of working alongside Joe on numerous public safety initiatives, and I can say without hesitation that Dakota County is well-served by his leadership. I respectfully encourage the citizens of Dakota County to support Sheriff Joe Leko for reelection.” Gary Rutherford – Farmington Chief of Police 2018-2025 (retired)
“Joe has been an outstanding leader in the Dakota County Law Enforcement community for a number of years and has the demonstrated leadership skills to lead the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. Over the years as the Lakeville Police Chief, I had many opportunities to work on several cooperative efforts with Joe in my community. I have found him to be a professional and highly capable law enforcement leader with a sincere heart for public service.” Thomas Vonhof – Lakeville Chief of Police 2006-2013 (retired)
“I worked with Joe for several years and his high character and ability are second to none. There is no finer candidate in the state that is more suited to be the Sheriff of Dakota County.” Michael Parks – Executive Director of the University of Texas System Office and Director of Police (former Lakeville Police Department Detective.
“I am pleased to endorse Sheriff Joe Leko for Sheriff. I have had the opportunity to work alongside Joe on committees in the past, and I have always appreciated his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to serving our community. Joe has a tremendous reputation throughout public safety, and I got to see first-hand his passion and work ethic working with him on numerous issues. I am confident that Joe has the leadership, knowledge, and dedication needed to continue doing an outstanding job as Sheriff.” Jeff Tate – Shakopee Chief of Police (retired)
“To Dakota County residents: keep Joe Leko as your Sheriff. You have an honest, caring, experienced professional serving in that very challenging role now. It is my privilege to endorse his being re-elected to continue to serve keeping your County safe.” Brad Wise – Anoka County Sheriff
“I have had the honor of serving on the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Executive Board with Sheriff Leko, and I have seen firsthand the thought he puts into the decisions he makes. Sheriff Leko takes the time to analyze issues, listen to different perspectives, and make sound decisions based on what he believes is best for the people he serves. He genuinely cares about Dakota County, its residents, and the men and women who serve alongside him.
Dakota County is well served by Sheriff Leko, and I strongly support his continued service as your Sheriff.” Mark Empting – Clay County Sheriff
“Over the past decade I have worked with Sheriff Leko in the capacity of Chief Deputy and as duly elected Sheriffs. In that time, I have found Sheriff Leko to have the utmost integrity, accountability, and transparency. I have also worked with Sheriff Leko on the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Board and have experienced his insight and foresight to be knowledgeable and valuable.
I have full confidence that Sheriff Leko can protect and serve Dakota County with the highest regard. I support Sheriff Joe Leko for Dakota County Sheriff and urge the citizens to reelect Sheriff Leko on November 3rd.” Brett V.P. Mason – Le Sueur County Sheriff
“Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Sheriff Leko through advancing our work in law enforcement accreditation and serving on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. During that time, my experience of working with Joe has allowed me to see what kind of leader he is and he consistently demonstrates sound judgment, strong decision making, and a thoughtful approach to the challenges we all face today.
Joe is actively engaged and steps forward to assist in legislative issues affecting public safety. He asks the difficult questions and advocates for policies that help law enforcement serve our communities better, but most importantly, Joe understands the value of relationships and partnerships. He has been a trusted colleague in the public safety arena and is always willing to work together with fellow sheriffs and leaders from across the state on important public safety matters. Joe genuinely cares about the people he serves; he works hard, leads with integrity, and always makes the right choice even when the decision isn’t necessarily an easy one.
Dakota County has a sheriff who is experienced, engaged and cares deeply about his community. I’m pleased and proud to support my friend and colleague Sheriff Joe Leko for another term as Dakota County Sheriff.” Gordon Ramsay – St. Louis County Sheriff
“Joe Leko has the right experience and is ready to take on the responsibility of Dakota County Sheriff. I have known Joe for 29 years during which time he has continued to develop his leadership skills and take on more responsible roles in the Sheriff's Office. He is very professionally prepared, having been mentored by some of the best Sheriffs to ever serve Dakota County.” Bob Stowell of Lakeville (retired financial executive and part time deputy sheriff)
“Joe Leko is a well-respected leader in the law enforcement community from the local to federal level. As a former resident of Rosemount and police leader in Dakota County, we worked side-by-side on multi-jurisdictional efforts to reduce crime and influence policy at the state legislature. Joe is a principled leader whose character and expertise guides his work in serving the community and collaborating with police leaders across the county. I support Joe Leko as Sheriff of Dakota County - the residents are well-served by his vision and nearly three decades of experience!” Eric Werner (former Rosemount resident and police leader in Dakota County)
“I had the privilege of working with Joe as an Assistant Dakota County Attorney. He is a fine sheriff, and leads the Sheriff’s Office as being one of the best and fairest law enforcement agencies in Minnesota.” Assistant Dakota County Attorney Don Bruce (retired)
“Dakota County Heroes is pleased to endorse Joe Leko for Sheriff of Dakota County! He is known to be a man of integrity and honor. He is a fantastic Sheriff.” Dakota County Heroes (nonprofit organization)
“I have had the honor and privilege of working with Joe Leko for many years. I have known him since our days on the Dakota County SWAT Team. I can attest to his character and integrity. Joe serves us well as Dakota County Sheriff. As his friend, former partner, and CEO of Soldiers 6, we are proud to endorse such an amazing hero.” Ed Abrahamson – CEO of Soldier’s 6 (nonprofit organization)
“As a concerned citizen I see the need for principled law enforcement leadership at every level. Sheriff Leko has led with professionalism, care and concern for the community. I support his re-election and appreciate his service.” May 7, 2026.
S. Pavlak – Dakota County resident
Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen
Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry
Chisago County Sheriff Brandon Thyen
Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk
South St. Paul Chief of Police Brian Wicke
West St. Paul Chief of Police Brian Sturgeon
Burnsville Chief of Police Tanya Schwartz (retired)
Faribault Chief of Police, Lakeville Police Sergeant Andy Bohlen (retired)
Apple Valley Chief of Police Jon Rechtzigel (retired)
Burnsville Chief of Police Eric Gieseke (retired)
South St. Paul Chief of Police Dan Vojovich (retired)
Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz
Lakeville Mayor Doug Anderson (retired)
South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis
Representative Jeff Witte (R)
Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL)
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Dakota County Chief Deputy Attorney Phil Prokopowicz (retired)
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South St. Paul Chief of Police Bill Messerich (retired)
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Nick Francis (lifelong Dakota County resident and police leader)
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John Poepl of Vermillion (Owner of Vermillion State Bank)
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