Chief Deputy Ben Hallberg announces run for Cook County Sheriff

On Monday, Cook County Chief Deputy Ben Hallberg announced he will run for Cook County Sheriff in the November election.

Hallberg began his career with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office 21 years ago as a dispatcher/jailer. After receiving his law enforcement degree, he has worked for the past two decades as a deputy, jail administrator, dispatch supervisor, and chief deputy.

Ben Hallberg announces run for Cook County Sheriff | Photo by Laura Muus

“It’s been a privilege to serve this community for the past 21 years with the Sheriff’s Office,” Hallberg said in his announcement.

Given his tenure with the sheriff’s office and that Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen will resign from the position in early May, Hallberg said he is “proud to announce that I am running to be the next Cook County Sheriff.”

The role of the sheriff requires a measured approach, a steady hand, and the ability to take on significant responsibility, Hallberg said. In his current role as chief deputy, he said he is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the office, maintaining longstanding relationships and helping make critical decisions that keep operations running smoothly.

“I hope that my experience and commitment to be the next Cook County Sheriff speak for itself, and I would be honored to get your vote,” Hallberg said.

The sheriff’s position is more than the title, Hallberg said in his announcement. “It’s about serving the members of this community, and serving people has always been what is most important to me.”

“What we need in our next sheriff is someone who understands where we’ve been and where we’re going,” Hallberg said. “We need experienced leadership that is prepared to take on the challenges that matter most to our community.”

Hallberg has lived in Grand Marais for 23 years. He has two children and is married to Sarah Jorgenson, owner of the Java Moose.

The Hallberg Family – Andrew, Sarah, Ben, and Ella | Photo by Laura Muus

“My family and I have built a life here that we love, and it’s been an honor to raise my two kids, Andrew and Ella, here with my wife Sarah, who grew up in Grand Marais,” Hallberg said.

Hallberg’s announcement follows news that Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen will not seek reelection and will resign from the position on May 8. The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted during a March 10 meeting to select Hallberg to serve as interim sheriff for the remainder of Eliasen’s term.

The 2026 candidate filing period for the Cook County Sheriff in Minnesota is from May 19, 2026, to June 2, 2026, at 5 p.m., according to the  Minnesota Secretary of State.

Hallberg is the second candidate to announce a bid for Cook County Sheriff. In January, Cook County Deputy Ty Backlund announced he will run for sheriff in this year’s election. Read Hallberg’s full announcement here.

Kalli Hawkins March 23, 2026