Independent Michele Brant Wins Madison County Auditor Special Election with 70%

Independent candidate Michele Brant won the Madison County special election for county auditor with 70% of the vote, defeating the appointed incumbent Matthew Schwarz. The election was triggered by a citizen petition in response to the county board of supervisors appointing Schwarz without a public vote following the resignation of former auditor Teri Kaczinski, whose hiring practices were under investigation. Brant's victory reflects voter dissatisfaction with the board’s appointment process and months of turmoil in county government, marked by accusations and lawsuits. Voter turnout was nearly 30%, unusually high for a local August election, signaling strong community engagement. Schwarz expressed disappointment but congratulated Brant and pledged to assist in a smooth transition. Brant, a former county board clerk with extensive management experience, will serve out the remainder of Kaczinski’s term through January 2029.