Browne defeats Call to become new Mayor of Viroqua: Spring 2026 election results

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – The City of Viroqua will have a new Mayor as Krista Browne defeats Roger call to take over city leadership following the announcement earlier this year that incumbent Mayor Justin Running decided not to run for another term. Browne won the race by a vote of 862-666. (approx. 56%-44%)

Krista Browne

Browne is a mother of three and a local small business owner who ran on a vision she called “Staying Power,” the idea that everyone who loves Viroqua should be able to afford to stay, put down roots, and age in place, organized around:

● Housing for All: A safe, affordable, available inventory of homes in every size, so everyone can find their fit.
● Reliable Services & Quality Work: Streets, utilities, parks, public safety, schools, childcare, and healthcare providers you can trust, so you can focus on giving your best to the work you do and the people you serve.
● Lively Streets & Parks: Open, fun, accessible public places (indoors and out) where you can gather with friends, families and neighbors at round tables instead of behind closed doors.

“I’m grateful to everyone who showed up: at the polls, at the meet-and-greets, at their doors when we knocked,” Browne said. “This campaign was always about one thing: representing everyday, working class people to make sure everyone who loves Viroqua can afford to build their whole life here.”

Browne also thanked the outgoing administration for its service to the city.

“Serving in local government, and in City Hall is harder work than most people see,” she said. “I’m grateful to the people who have served this city and held this office before me, and I’m ready to pick up the baton and get to work.”

Browne said she will spend the two weeks before taking office meeting with city hall leadership & staff, department heads, Common Council members, and of course continuing to listen to and engage residents, businesses, and leaders from across the community.

“I promised to listen first and lead second, and that starts tomorrow,” she said. “Before I help set our agenda for what we do next, I will look for and listen to the people already doing great work — and we will identify our best path forward to strengthen our foundations and build our Staying Power because Good Grows Here.”

You can read Browne’s full statement on her victory here.

The Call Campaign

Call is retired from Dairyland Power Cooperative where he worked in management as a plant operator and as a computer system administrator. Call previously served two terms on the Vernon County Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2022. In preparation for his mayoral bid he officially resigned from his position as Chairman of the Vernon County Republican Party on February 1, 2026 noting that the mayor’s office is a strictly non-partisan position.

During his campaign Call said he was focused on controlling taxes, bringing new businesses and jobs to the city and completing ongoing construction projects. He voiced strong support for improving outdoor recreation opportunities across the region rebuilding the Dragon Park playground at Eckhart Park, and opening a new information center. Call also emphasized the critical importance of maintaining Viroqua’s small town feeling even as new housing and commercial businesses are developed. Call won the endorsement of incumbent Mayor Justin Running, former Viroqua Mayor Larry Fanta and Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson.

Call did not return our call for comment on the outcome of the race.

Other Notable Races

All 19 county board supervisors were up for re-election but only two incumbents faced challengers. One of them retained their seat and the other lost. Wayde Lawler easily defeated challenger Max Kane 375-135 while long-time board member Lonnie Muller lost his race to challenger Greg Lawton 197-171.

To see breakdown of the voting by precinct you can view the detailed spreadsheet from the County Clerk’s office here.

Vernon County Board of Supervisors: All 19 districts are up for election, with competitive races in District 14 (Max Kane vs. Wayde Lawler) and District 17 (Lonnie Muller vs. Greg Lawton).