Office of the City Clerk

Becoming a Candidate for Municipal Office

Thank you for your interest in serving the City of New Berlin. The information below walks you step-by-step through the process of becoming a candidate for municipal office in the 2026 Spring Election. Please review all materials carefully before filing with the City Clerk’s Office.

Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at (262) 786-8610 or email clerksoffice@newberlinwi.gov.

Filing Deadlines

December 1, 2025: First day to circulate nomination papers.

December 26, 2025 – 5:00 PM: Deadline for incumbents not seeking re-election to file a Notice of Non-Candidacy (EL-163).

January 6, 2026 – 5:00 PM: Deadline for all candidates to file required paperwork, including:

  • Declaration of Candidacy (EL-162)
  • Campaign Finance Registration Statement (CF-1)
  • Nomination Papers (EL-169)
    • Alderperson: 20–40 signatures required
    • Mayor & Municipal Judge: 200–400 signatures required

The Clerk’s Office will remain open until 5:00 PM on this filing deadline.

January 9, 2026 – 5:00 PM: Deadline to challenge nomination papers.

Reminder: Late or incomplete filings cannot be accepted under Wisconsin law.

Offices on the Ballot

On April 7, 2026, the following offices are on the ballot. A primary election will be held on February 17, 2026, if needed.

Candidate Filing Information (Transparency Notice)

For transparency, the City Clerk’s Office is providing a list of individuals who have submitted paperwork to become candidates for municipal office in the 2026 Spring Election.

Last updated: January 8, 2025

Candidates

  • Office: Alderperson, District 2
    Candidate: Scott LaFever, Incumbent 
    Candidate: Meg Gardner
    *A ballot drawing to determine ballot placement order will be held on Friday, January 9, at 4:00 p.m. in the Clerk’s Office.

  • Office: Alderperson, District 4
    Candidate: Kenneth Harenda, II, Incumbent

  • Office: Alderperson, District 6
    Candidate: Dennis Horbinski, Incumbent

This list will be updated as additional filings are received. 

All candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy, Campaign Finance Registration Statement, and nomination papers no later than 5:00 PM on January 6, 2026.

Election Notice & Candidate Information

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