Photo: Cook County Sheriff's Office

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 14, 2026

On January 13, 2026, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen officially announced his decision to retire and not seek reelection in the upcoming 2026 election. The announcement, shared via a public social media post (see full text below), sets a timeline for the conclusion of Eliasen's 31-year career in law enforcement, which has been served entirely in Cook County, where he grew up. Sheriff Eliasen told Boreal Community Media that he first entered law enforcement in February 1995 with the Grand Marais Police Department, then joined the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in September of that same year. He was first elected Sheriff in 2014, sworn into office in January 2015, and reelected in 2018 and 2022.

Eliasen described law enforcement as more than a career, saying it is a "calling rooted in service, responsibility, and a deep respect for the communities we are sworn to protect." He shared his belief that effective public safety must be grounded in "accountability, transparency, and respect for the dignity of every individual." During his three terms as Sheriff, Eliasen oversaw the implementation or updating of several programs, including the Body Worn Camera program, the creation of a Chaplain program, the development of internal training staff, and the establishment of a Marine Unit in collaboration with Grand Portage after the closure of the Coast Guard Station in Grand Marais. 

Eliasen said he originally attended college with the intention of becoming a teacher, but switched to criminal justice after one semester at Mankato State. "I had always thought that law enforcement seemed like a cool job, and something I was built for," he added. He later completed his degree in law enforcement at Vermilion Community College in Ely. Despite the stresses of the profession, Eliasen shared in an April 2024 Boreal Community Media "Meet Your Cook County Neighbor" interview that his investment in the community and his passion for helping others are some of his primary motivators for continuing to work in a job that can be difficult. He also highlighted the importance of a strong support system, noting that exercise, a supportive wife, and his love of music (specifically drawing inspiration from guitarists like Eddie Van Halen) provided some balance to his professional life. He also admitted that working on self-care is something he has struggled with, but managed to "build a network of people that I could use as sounding boards for any issues I began to grapple with," before adding that "self-awareness is the best tool you can have as long as it leads to self-care."

As he prepares for retirement, Eliasen plans to remain active in his musical and educational community. He will continue his role as an adjunct professor of criminal justice for both Concordia University in St. Paul and Colorado Technical University, where he says he values the opportunity to mentor future public safety leaders. On a personal level, he said he looks forward to spending more time with his family, hunting and fishing, and expanding his musical schedule. He stated that he leaves the role "thankful for the opportunity, appreciative of the relationships built along the way, and confident in the future of this organization."

The vacancy created by his retirement will be filled during the 2026 election cycle. Cook County Auditor’s Office Tax and Elections Administrator Cortnee Bernier told Boreal Community Media that the candidate filing period is open between May 19 and June 2, 2026. If no candidates file an Affidavit of Candidacy during this window, eligible individuals may still run as write-in candidates by registering with the County Auditor. If no one runs for the position, the county board has the authority to appoint an eligible person or call for a special election. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, candidates must meet specific Minnesota state requirements to qualify for the role, including but not limited to being a licensed peace officer and a county resident for at least 30 days prior to the election.

Full text from Facebook post: