VIROQUA, Wis. – Viroqua Mayor Justin Running announced today that he will not seek re-election to another term, choosing instead to step down when his term expires in April 2026. The decision, which he described as “wholly and totally” personal, means the city will transition to new leadership after a four-year tenure marked by significant capital projects and rapid community development.
12/3/2025
Dear Residents of Viroqua,
I am writing today with a heart full of gratitude. After much reflection and with great appreciation for the years I have served, I have decided that I will not seek re-election as your Mayor.
Serving this community has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Every day, I have been inspired by the community’s commitment to making Viroqua a wonderful place to live. Together, we have grown our city, strengthened our community and supported our local businesses. All of which make me incredibly proud.
This decision comes from a personal place. As much as I have loved dedicating my time and energy to our city, it is time for me to spend more time with my family in the years ahead. They have been my greatest support throughout this journey, and I am looking forward to being more present with them while continuing to cheer on the community I love.
Please know that I remain fully dedicated to serving you through the remainder of my term. I will continue working hard to ensure a smooth transition and to support the progress we’ve made together.
To our city staff, community partners, volunteers, and most of all, to the residents—thank you. Your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to the future of Viroqua have been the foundation for all that we have accomplished.
I may be stepping out of the Mayor’s office, but I will never step away from this community. Viroquawill always be my home, and I will continue to support and celebrate its success in every way I can.
With much appreciation,
Justin Running
In a written statement and phone interview, Running, whose term began in April 2022, confirmed his decision comes from a desire to dedicate more time to his family. Prior to his time as mayor, he served the area in a leadership role with the Vernon County Board of Supervisors, serving as chair of the board prior to running for mayor. His involvement on both the city and county levels proved pivotal through a number large capital projects, many of which have now been completed.
Prioritizing Family Time
Mayor Running emphasized that the role of mayor, despite being part-time, required a significant time commitment that increasingly conflicted with his most important job, being a father. The conflict came to a head as his youngest daughter entered high school sports, scheduling events primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the nights often reserved for City Council meetings.
He explained the core reason for his departure, noting, “I’ve found myself much in the last few months sitting in city council, chairing a meeting while my daughter’s off playing, and I feel very uncomfortable that I’m not able to be there for her, because those days fly by.”
Running underscored that the decision was not tied to any dissatisfaction with the city’s health or governance, but rather a realignment of personal priorities.
“We’re all healthy, we’re all happy, there’s no underlying secret message here. It’s wholly and totally … to be able to give my family the time that they deserve,” Running said.
He added that his business and the Fire Department (where he serves as a lieutenant) always demand his time when needed, leaving his family as the component that receives the least amount of his attention. Running is the vice-president of Running Inc that provides transportation services to 32 communities in Wisconsin with over 500 employees.
Legacy of Accomplishment
Mayor Running expressed profound pride in the cooperative successes achieved during his four years, citing major advancements in housing and public safety infrastructure.
“I’m so proud of what’s happened over the last number of years,” said Running. “It’s such an honor to have been in this role, and even more so, to have been able to work collaboratively to get 65 units of affordable housing, and the Hanson Farm Development well underway. And the fire department project. The move into new City Hall. There’s just been so much that this community has to be proud of, and I was able to be a part of it, and that means so much.”
Running pointed to Viroqua’s record of getting large capital projects accomplished while keeping the mill rate flat. Projects like the new city hall, new police and fire stations and increases in street projects. He credited the city staff and reliance on external experts for navigating complex development projects, emphasizing that success came from consensus and professional guidance.
He specifically lauded the city employees, stating, “There’s nothing that’s happened that I look at and consider either we failed or we missed the mark on, because the city staff has been just outstanding on just getting things accomplished. And everything we’ve set out to accomplish as a team, we’ve accomplished. I can’t think of an area that we’ve fell short on, and it’s not my doing, it’s the city staff.”
He also articulated his belief that collaboration is the key to Viroqua’s triumphs, “Very little that the city has went out on their own and done,” he observed, stressing that municipal leaders must “rely and lean on people with the superior knowledge” when tackling difficult financial and development issues.
Challenges and the Nature of Service
When reflecting on the challenges of the office, Mayor Running spoke candidly about the demands of the part-time mayor and the essential requirements for success in local government.
He detailed the time strain inherent in the position, “The biggest challenges of being mayor in Viroqua is being able to give it the time that it deserves, because it’s a part time position, it takes time, and you have to be able to give the hours. During the day, periodically throughout the course of the week, the nighttime meetings. There’s a real commitment to that.”
Running also stressed the need for non-partisan service, especially in a growing community. He insisted that “partisan politics has no place in the mayor’s office” and advised future leaders to embrace humility.
He concluded with advice on leadership.
“You have to be willing to hear what people are saying,” said Running. “And you don’t always get what you want, but what you want isn’t always what’s best for the community as a whole. And you have to have the willingness to hear that and be willing to not win all the time.”
Running said he feels that Viroqua had matured during his tenure, moving beyond an “us versus them” mentality to one where the community operates “cooperatively in this bowl of soup here, and we’re just different flavors, right? And when you throw it all together, it sure tastes good.”
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