Village Residents largely chose no change.
The Village of Mukwonago held its local elections on April 1, 2025. Key positions on the Village Board and the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education were up for vote. The official results have been released, shaping the leadership landscape of the community.
Village President Results
In the race for Village President, incumbent Fred Winchowky faced challenger Darlene M. Johnson. Winchowky narrowly secured re-election with 1,599 votes (50.8%), while Johnson received 1,535 votes (48.8%). Winchowky’s victory indicates continued support for his administration’s policies and initiatives. It is possible that the biggest factor was outlook on village growth.
In a March 12, 2025 interview with the Waukesha County Freeman, the candidates were asked “Why are you running for this position? If elected, what will be your priorities?” Winchowky answered “I will work to continue our small town feel which is so important. I will pursue new and sustainable growth to help offset inflation. I believe you need to grow your community to survive.” Johnson’s answer was: “I would strive to make our village a ‘drive to’ versus a ‘drive through’ destination by attracting some high-profile restaurant ventures to add to our current winning businesses.”
Village residents have expressed mixed opinions about the direction and nature of Mukwonago’s growth. Some want growth, more businesses and apartments in the village. Others wish to keep the small town feel that Mukwonago is known for. Is Winchowky’s win a mandate for that sentiment?
Village Trustee Results
Three candidates vied for two available Village Trustee seats: Joseph Risse, Kenneth R. Johnson, and Scott A. Reeves. Reeves led with 1,501 votes (33.9%), followed by Johnson with 1,498 votes (33.8%), both keeping their positions on the board. Risse garnered 1393 votes (31.4%). The re-election of incumbents Reeves and Johnson shows village residents’ satisfaction. They seem happy with the direction of the village under the leadership of Reeves and Johnson. Both emphasized fiscal responsibility during their campaigns.
Risse campaigned on growth in Mukwonago. In a March 22, 2025 interview with the Waukesha Freeman, Risse said “As a village trustee I plan to promote responsible growth in Mukwonago by reducing village overreach”. All three candidates spoke about the need and importance for responsible growth. Nevertheless, Mukwonago voters seemed to believe the current incumbents would be more responsible about that growth.
Mukwonago Area School District School Board Results
The Mukwonago Area School District Board had four seats up for election, representing the At-Large, Central, and West regions. Incumbents won all three regions, meaning no change to our school board.
In the West region, Craig Vertz received 7,325 votes (35.2%) and Jason Bennett received 5,808 (27.9%) of votes. With those votes, both candidates kept their seats. Chris Nowak received 4,258 (20.4%) and Aaron Hackett received 3,310 votes (15.9%).
For the at-large seat, incumbent Carolyn Simon won reelection against challenger Kyle Schmidt during Tuesday’s election. She received 7,480 votes (62.1%). Schmidt received 4,506 votes (37.4%).
In the central region, incumbent MASD School Board President Dale Porter won reelection unopposed. He received 10,224 votes (98.2%). It’s worth noting that there were 190 write-in votes (1.8%). Are Mukwonago parents and residents looking for a change to Dale Porter’s seat? Time will tell with the next election.
According to the Village of Mukwonago facebook page, voter turnout was approximately 63% of registered voters. For a spring election, this is unusually high turnout. It is likely turnout was encouraged by the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. In that race, Judge Susan Crawford beat Waukesha Judge Brad Schimel by 10 points.
For detailed election results and further information, residents are encouraged to visit the official Waukesha County election results page. Results are unofficial until canvassed.
Would be interested in understanding pursuing new and sustainable growth to help offset inflation and growing the Mukwonago community to survive as the community seems to be so adverse to any change. This presents a real challenge. There has to be some growth or there will be stagnation. Mukwonago is a town you pass through, not a drive to destination. There’s nothing here that would make this a destination you would drive to (like East Troy, Waterford, Burlington, etc.).
Not sure what the vision is or if there is a strategic plan for the community to achieve sustainable growth.
First, thank you for being the first to comment on my new website. You will always hold that honor! 🙂
Second…I think a big problem is that all candidates were very vague about what type of growth they are looking towards. I have never heard many details. Only the concept of growth.