FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
CONTACT: info@erictoney.com
Toney Launches New TV Ad “Justice”
Ad to air statewide on broadcast, cable, and digital
FOND DU LAC, WI – On Wednesday, Eric Toney launched his first television ad “Justice.” The ad, airing statewide on broadcast, cable, and digital, features sheriffs who have seen the consequences of Josh Kaul’s eight years as Attorney General, including historic crime lab delays that have denied justice for victims. The ad features testimonials from each of the five sheriffs featured:
“We depend on Wisconsin’s crime labs to help deliver justice for victims. Josh Kaul promised to fix the backlog.”
Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt, Fond du Lac County
“Josh Kaul promised to fix the backlog. Instead, average DNA testing times are up 60%.”
Sheriff Eric Severson, Waukesha County
“Even with more resources, better technology, Kaul is still taking twice as long to complete many tests.”
Sheriff Brent York, Adams County
“Then Kaul changed the reporting, delayed the release of the numbers, and hid his failure from public view.”
Sheriff David Zoerner, Kenosha County
“Josh Kaul has failed Wisconsin, and victims deserve better.”
Sheriff Christy Knowles, Ozaukee County
Narrator: Eight years of broken promises is enough. Vote Eric Toney.
Eric Toney is endorsed by 58 of Wisconsin’s 72 sheriffs, more than 80% of the state’s elected top cops, including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Democratic sheriffs like Menominee County’s Rebecca Smith, Bayfield County’s Tony Williams, and Douglas County’s Matthew Izzard back Toney because they know District Attorney Toney will put public safety over politics based on his track record of more than 13 years as a district attorney fighting crime. Toney’s law enforcement coalition also includes the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police and the Milwaukee Police Association.
Josh Kaul ran in 2018 on fixing the crime labs. DOJ’s own reports show average DNA turnaround rose 61% on his watch, from 80 days in 2018 to 129 days in 2024 (DOJ 2018 Report, DOJ 2024 Report). These cases include rape kits, homicides, and crimes against children. Over the same period, the last three state budgets added 13.4 positions for the labs, including DNA positions, (LAB Report 24-6, Table 3, p. 12; p. 13), while analyst vacancies more than tripled, from 2.6% to 9.5% (p. 16).
###