Nathan Budin Announces Sheriff Campaign as Jesse Thomas Prepares to Retire in Rice County
Nathan Budin, a 25-year veteran of the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, has officially announced his candidacy for Rice County Sheriff in the upcoming 2026 election, stepping up as current Sheriff Jesse Thomas prepares to retire at the end of his term on December 31.
Thomas, who marked the start of his 31st year with the department this April, declared earlier this year that he will not seek re-election, signaling a historic shift in leadership for the county’s public safety agency. “I have had a great career here and have met and worked with a lot of amazing people,” said Thomas, who was appointed sheriff in 2021 and elected in November 2022. “When I reflect on the past 30 years, I feel I am truly blessed and fortunate to have accomplished everything that I set out to do. But it’s time for me to spend more time with my family and let someone else take the lead.”
Budin Positions Himself as Experienced Successor
Budin brings extensive local law enforcement experience, having lived in Rice County since 2004 and grown up on a farm in rural Northfield. His public safety career began in 2000 with the Lonsdale Police Department before joining Rice County as a correctional officer in December 2000. By August 2001, Budin was hired as a full-time deputy and has climbed steadily through the ranks over the last 25 years.
“I am honored to announce my candidacy for Rice County Sheriff,” Budin said. “I have dedicated my career to serving this community and understand the unique challenges we face. I intend to build on Sheriff Thomas’s legacy while bringing fresh energy to keep Rice County safe.”
The sheriff’s seat became open when Thomas succeeded former Sheriff Troy Dunn in 2021, initially through appointment, before solidifying his mandate by election in 2022. Now Budin aims to continue this uninterrupted line of experienced leadership within Rice County, a vital matter for residents who depend on steady, trusted law enforcement.
What’s Next for Rice County Sheriff’s Office
The campaign period for the Rice County Sheriff’s Office is now underway, with candidates mobilizing ahead of the November 2026 election. The race holds significance not only for local governance but also for regional public safety, reflecting broader concerns about law enforcement leadership transitions across the United States.
As Budin positions himself front and center, voters will weigh his deep institutional knowledge and long-standing ties to the community against any emerging challengers. With Thomas’s retirement imminent, the sheriff’s office is set for a pivotal moment that could influence public safety strategies locally and offer wider lessons for similar rural counties nationwide.
Stay tuned for further updates on candidate announcements, campaign platforms, and election coverage as the 2026 race unfolds in Rice County.
