VanderWyst launches campaign for Lincoln County Sheriff ahead of Schneider’s year-end retirement

The first candidate has entered the race to replace Lincoln County Sheriff Ken Schneider, who will retire at the end of the year.
Andy VanderWyst launched his candidacy for Sheriff on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the day after Schneider announced that he will not seek reelection this November.
In announcing his impending retirement, Schneider thanked those who supported him and allowed him to serve two terms as Sheriff.
“The kind words of support, the notes of gratitude, or the honks and waves as people go by will truly be missed,” Schneider said. “I am very proud of this agency and thankful for all of the people who work here. Please continue to show your support to the next Sheriff and all those who work with him to keep Lincoln County safe.”
VanderWyst, on his campaign’s Facebook page, said he’d “be remiss” if he “didn’t take a moment to first acknowledge and thank Sheriff Schneider for his dedicated service to the citizens of our county.”

“Thirty-six years, including eight as Sheriff, is a remarkable career in any field, and especially this one,” VanderWyst said. “I wish him the absolute very best in a long, healthy, and enjoyable retirement.”
VanderWyst also provided information about himself, from his roots in east-central Wisconsin to the numerous roles he has served in with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
A native of the Fox Valley community of Little Chute, VanderWyst graduated from Xavier High School in Appleton in 2000. Four years later, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Carroll College in Waukesha.
“After college, I attended the Fox Valley Technical College Law Enforcement Recruit Academy in Appleton before beginning my career with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in October of 2004,” VanderWyst said.
Over the years, VanderWyst has served in a number of roles with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, including Patrol Deputy and Sergeant Investigator. He is currently a Patrol Lieutenant, a position he has held for the last 14 years.
He has also been assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) for nearly two decades, serving as SRT Entry Team Shield Operator, SRT Assistant Team Leader, SRT Team Leader and, for the last 12 years, SRT Commander.
VanderWyst said that over his 22-year law enforcement career, he is most proud of having served as the Commander of the Honor Guard, founded in 2012, as well as being a Regional Representative and Board Member for the State of Wisconsin Honor Guard Association.
In his free time, VanderWyst said he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, fishing, golfing, hunting, horseback riding, and spending time at the lake.
“You may recognize my voice as being the public address announcer for many Tomahawk Hatchet athletic events, including football, volleyball, and baseball,” he added.
VanderWyst said he also enjoys volunteering in the community, noting that he has emceed for a number of fundraising events and organizations, including St. Mary’s School, the Somo Fish and Game Club and, most recently, the newly-formed Hope Beyond 21 organization, which supports Down Syndrome families in the Northwoods.
“Over the last several months, I have been truly humbled by the support and encouragement that I’ve received from so many people to take this next step, including many current and retired emergency services and law enforcement leaders and personnel in not only Lincoln County, but surrounding counties and jurisdictions as well,” VanderWyst said, adding that he is looking forward to connecting with Lincoln County citizens while gathering nomination paper signatures and sharing his vision for “the future of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office over the next four years and beyond.”