Nearly two years after being diagnosed with a rare kind of cancer, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has died at age 61, according to a July 8 news release from Waukesha County.
“It is with great sadness that we share Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has lost his battle with cancer,” according to the release. “Throughout his journey, Paul chose to publicly document his treatment to help others battling cancer. His family, friends and staff all stood by his side along the way hoping for a better outcome.”
While working through his cancer diagnosis, in 2025, Farrow received the Tommy G. Thompson Distinguished Public Leadership Award. This award recognized Wisconsin leaders who have devoted themselves to public service, worked to promote responsible public policy and demonstrated exceptional leadership, according to the release.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of County Executive Farrow,” County Board Chairman Jim Heinrich said in a released statement. “Paul was a devoted public servant, a steady leader, and a proud champion for Waukesha County. He led with conviction and cared deeply about this community. On behalf of the County Board, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Amy and the Farrow family, his friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Heinrich will serve as acting county executive and assume Farrow’s duties, according to the release. Within 30 days, the County Board will confirm the appointment of an interim executive. According to the release, a countywide special election will be held to determine who will serve out the remaining months of Farrow’s term.
Reactions from the Republican Party
The Republican Party of Wisconsin issued a statement that called Farrow a “dedicated public servant and a champion for Wisconsin families” and said “Paul’s commitment to conservative principles left a lasting impact on Waukesha County and the entire state.”
“Paul Farrow was a true leader who embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and service that define Wisconsin Republicans,” WisGOP Chairman Brian Schimming said in a released statement through the Republican Party of Wisconsin. “From the State Capitol to Waukesha County, he fought tirelessly for Wisconsin values. His passing is a profound loss for our party and our state. On behalf of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s wife Amy, their sons, and his family and friends. His legacy will continue to inspire conservatives across Wisconsin for generations to come.”
Former Gov. Scott Walker posted on X that “Paul Farrow was a great man. He was filled with joy and always seemed to have a big smile on his face. He had a good career in the private sector but really found his calling in public service. He was an ally in the State Legislature and I was proud to call him my County Executive in Waukesha County.”
Creating cancer awareness
After Farrow was diagnosed with Stage 4 mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare kind of cancer, in September of 2024, he said his goal was to support other cancer survivors and to create awareness.
“There are many people dealing with cancer,” he said to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after he was diagnosed. “This is my opportunity to talk about this, and we can reach out for help.”
During his months of chemotherapy, he often worked on his county executive duties at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Elmbrook Campus in Brookfield during treatments, he told the Journal Sentinel.
After his chemo regimen ended, Farrow underwent cytoreductive surgery, or CRS, which he said “attacks the cancer and has had a good success of getting (the cancer) out of the system.” Farrow underwent the procedure in March 2025, and two months later he told the Journal Sentinel he had “no evidence of the disease.”
However, in November 2025, Farrow announced in a Facebook video that he had a biopsy that came back positive for cancer. In February 2026, he posted a video that his treatment plan included immunotherapy, which stimulates the immune system, and a biologic treatment, an antibody that blocks a pathway for the cancer.
He was still maintaining his duties just before he died.
Paul Farrow, a small business owner, was active in the Republican party and spent a career in service
Farrow was first elected as Waukesha County executive in 2015 and was reelected in 2019 and 2023, according to the Waukesha County website.
Before becoming county executive, Farrow served in the Wisconsin Assembly, the state Senate, and as Senate assistant majority leader, according to the release.
Farrow was first elected in 2010 to represent the Assembly District 98 in the west suburbs of Milwaukee. He was elected in 2012 to the state Senate in a special election, representing District 33.
He served as the state chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin from 2021 to 2022, and was on the Waukesha County GOP executive committee from 2001 to 2009, according to the county website.
Before his career in politics, Farrow ran and managed small businesses in the home service industry, was an adjunct facilitator in experiential consulting and developed a marketing program in the home inspection training industry.
He graduated from Marquette University High School in Milwaukee and received his bachelor’s degree from Carroll College (later renamed Carroll University).
Farrow got inspiration from his mother, Margaret Farrow, who was the state’s first female lieutenant governor
Farrow called his mom, Margaret Farrow, a trailblazer and an inspiration to his career. Margaret Farrow, who died in 2022, was the first woman to be lieutenant governor in Wisconsin.
Then-Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum appointed Margaret Farrow to the role in 2001 and she served until 2003.
After his mother’s death, Paul Farrow said his mother left behind a legacy of promoting the values that “make us all better citizens and better people.”
“Her values, her conviction, and her strength have inspired me in my life and my career as I strive to serve our community to a degree that honors her,” Farrow wrote on his Waukesha County Executive X account in 2022.
Margaret Farrow began her career in government in the Village of Elm Grove, as trustee from 1976 to 1981, then as village president from 1981 to 1987, according to Wisconsin Women Making History. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1986 and then elected to the Wisconsin State Senate through a special election representing most of Waukesha County, and re-elected in 1990, 1994 and 1998.
Farrow is survived by his wife Amy, of nearly 40 years as he married Aug. 1, 1986, He leaves behind two adult sons and two grandchildren. Farrow had four brothers, including one fraternal twin.
Details of Farrow’s celebration of life have not yet been announced, according to the release from the county.
This story will be updated.
Molly Beck contributed to this report.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, 61, dies of rare form of cancer
Reporting by Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
