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Sunday, June 28, 2026

Brian Mueller for Washington County Sheriff Interview

 Here are questions and answers from Brian Mueller for Sheriff. He will be on the ballot in November this year. The picture is off his Facebook page and is with current Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry. 

To view the response to each candidate for Washington County Sheriff see:
Jeremy Bolen Interview

1.) Tell us about yourself and your background.

I am Brian Mueller, and I've dedicated nearly three decades of my life to serving the people of Washington County. I'm a lifelong Washington County resident, a husband, a father of five, and someone who cares deeply about this community because it's where my family has built our lives.

Professionally, I've spent my entire law enforcement career serving this county. I served more than 23 years with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, working my way from Patrol Deputy through leadership roles including Sergeant, Commander, Chief Deputy, and serving 17 years on the SWAT Team, ultimately as Team Commander.  I have also served as Commander of the Washington County Drug Task Force. For the past several years, I've had the privilege of serving as Chief of Police in Stillwater.

Throughout my career, I've focused on building strong partnerships, supporting the men and women who serve, and finding practical solutions to challenges like violent crime, mental health, and substance use. I believe public safety is strongest when law enforcement works collaboratively with schools, businesses, community organizations, and other public safety partners.

2.) Why are you running? 

I'm running for Sheriff because I believe Washington County deserves experienced, proven leadership that is ready to lead on day one. I want to build on the Sheriff's Office's strong foundation while preparing it for the future. This includes supporting our deputies, embracing responsible innovation, and continuing to earn the trust of the communities we serve.  I believe we need to protect our most vulnerable while providing safe communities to raise a family.

3.) What are areas of improvement in the sheriff department that you will address?

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has a long history of outstanding service, and I believe it has a strong foundation to build on. My focus isn't on fixing a broken organization, but making a great organization even better. If elected, there are several areas where I believe we can continue to improve. These areas include continuing to reduce violent crime through proactive policing and regional partnerships; recruiting, retaining, and developing exceptional employees while prioritizing their wellness; strengthening our response to mental health and substance use challenges through collaboration with community providers; embracing modern technology that enhances public safety, transparency, and efficiency; expanding partnerships with our local police departments and other public safety agencies; investing in jail programs that reduce recidivism and improve successful reentry; and continuing to build trust through meaningful community engagement and responsive service.

4.) What sets you apart from the other candidates? 
Several things set me apart from the other candidates:
  1. First is proven leadership. I've spent nearly three decades serving Washington County, including more than 23 years with the Sheriff's Office and now as the Stillwater Chief of Police.  I've led at every level of law enforcement, managed large organizations, built strong partnerships, and delivered results. I know this county, I know this office, and I'm ready to lead on day one. 
  2. I am the only candidate that has led both a major sheriff's office at the executive level and a municipal police department.  This gives me a unique perspective into the relationship between the two.  
  3. I am the only candidate that has ever worked in Washington County.  Knowing the community, providing public safety services and patrolling in every city and township in this county has helped me build partnerships to understand what the community wants and need in public safety from north to south.
  4. Finally, as a lifelong Washington County resident, I have a deep personal investment in the safety and future of this community. This is where I was raised, where my wife and I chose to raise our family, and where I've dedicated nearly three decades to public service. My commitment to Washington County isn't just professional, it's personal. Every decision I make is guided by what's best for the community that my family and I proudly call home.

5.) What is your website for people to get involved? 


Brian Mueller
Stillwater Chief of Police
Candidate for Washington County Sheriff
PO Box 25331
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-755-4702