MANITOWOC – Manitowoc County Board Chairman Tyler Martell announced Nov. 11 on the steps of the courthouse that he will run for the county executive position in April.
“I am raising and educating the next generation of Manitowoc County,” Martell said. “I want them to grow here. I want them to thrive here. Someday, I want them to make the choice that you and I all have; I want them to stay here and call this community home.”
Martell was first elected to the county board in 2020 as the District 5 supervisor. In his second term, he was elected by the board to be chairman. Now, he is in his third term as supervisor and second term as board chairman.
“It’s time that we refocus county government on what we can be good at and what really matters,” he said. “… We can move Manitowoc County forward with innovation by rejecting the old adage that we’ve always done it this way.”
Wisconsin Assembly representatives Paul Tittl and Shae Sortwell both gave Martell their endorsements during his announcement.
“I think what Tyler brings to our county is a breadth of experience and knowledge about the county, the county issues that are facing them,” Sortwell said. “… I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there that could do the job, but I think there’s one person in particular who can jump right in with both his feet and be ready to do the job on the very first day, understand the issues, have the relationship with people across the county.”
Current County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer said he will not seek another term in a letter to supervisors Oct. 30. He did not give a reason for his decision.
Martell is the first to announce publicly his intention to run for the county executive’s seat. The spring election, with the race for Manitowoc County executive topping the ballot, is set for April 7, 2026. If needed, a spring primary would take place Feb. 17, 2026.
For those looking to toss their hat into the ring, nomination papers cannot be circulated before Dec. 1 and cannot be submitted to the County Clerk after Jan. 6.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County Board Chairman Tyler Martell announces run for county executive in 2026
Reporting by Alisa M. Schafer, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
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