WAUPUN — Waupun Mayor Rohn W. Bishop announced last week that he would be running for reelection this spring.
The announcement included a reelection kickoff event held Saturday, December 6. The event was held at Prison City Pub at 10AM. Over 60 people attended the event.
The event was opened by an introduction from Cory Buchholz, followed by a prayer from Pastor Barry Lang of First Reformed Church.
Mayor Bishop thanked everyone for attending the event and supporting his reelection.
“When I look back at the last four years, I see a city with momentum,” Bishop said. “That momentum did not happen by chance. It came from teamwork, commitment, and a belief that Waupun deserves steady, forward movement. I have worked every day to push that momentum in the right direction, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Bishop cited several important developments, including the opening of the new Waupun Community Center, the replacement of the ice rink floor at Waupun Ice Arena, partnering with Wee-Care, starting a youth sports grant program, hiring a new garbage company, and repairing the railroad crossings.
He also cited the cultural advancements, including investments in the Waupun Carnegie Library/Waupun Historical Museum, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Waupun’s oldest sculpture The Recording Angel, and rebranding the City of Waupun back to Wisconsin’s Sculpture City.
“Inside city operations, we’ve stenghened morale and built a stable foundation,” he said. “Today, we have a fully staffed police department, a fully staffed fire department, and a fully staffed public works team—this was not the case four years ago. These departments serve Waupun with pride, and they deserve credit for their dedication to our safety and to the daily needs of our community.”
Bishop also emphasized the advocacy he’s done at the state and federal level, including significant increases in shared revenue and convincing the DOC to keep Waupun Correctional Institution open.
“I care deeply about Waupun,” Bishop said. “I show up, I listen, I work hard every day to be a Mayor who puts Waupun first. I believe in what we have built, and I believe there is much more we can accomplish together.”
The election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Also on the ballot are Aldermanic Districts 2, 4, and 6—currently held by Alderman Pete Kaczmarski, Alderman Mike Matoushek, and Alderwoman Bobbi Jo Kunz, respectively.
As of December 6, no other residents have declared candidacy as an opponent to Mayor Bishop. The filing deadline for nomination papers is Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
A spring primary will be held on February 17, 2026 if necessary.
Information about elections in the City of Waupun can be found on the City’s official website, here: https://www.cityofwaupunwi.gov/city-clerk/page/election-information.
Previously, Waupun mayoral terms were two years, but after changes passed by the City Council in September, mayoral terms are now three years to allow voters of both districts to vote for the mayor at the same time as their aldermen in alternating years.
