Earlier this year, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen announced he would not seek a fourth term in November. This week, he announced his resignation as Cook County Sheriff, effective May 8, 2026.
Eliasen has served Cook County residents for over 31 years in law enforcement. According to a county press release, Eliasen has focused on strengthening community partnerships, expanding public safety capabilities, and advancing professionalism within the Sheriff’s Office during his tenure.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Cook County,” said Eliasen. “Public safety is built on trust, professionalism, and service. I am deeply grateful to the deputies, staff, and community partners who dedicate themselves every day to protecting this county.”
In Minnesota, when a County Sheriff resigns, state law requires the County Board to appoint a replacement to avoid a gap in law enforcement leadership.
When a sheriff resigns, the County Board of Commissioners has the legal authority and obligation to fill that vacancy. The board must meet, whether at a regular or special meeting, to appoint a successor. Any person appointed to the role must meet the same legal requirements as an elected sheriff. Specifically, under MS § 387.01, the appointee must be a licensed peace officer in Minnesota before they can officially assume their duties.
The duration of the appointment depends on when the resignation occurs relative to the next election. Generally, the person appointed by the board serves until a successor is elected and qualified, or until the end of the unexpired term. If the vacancy occurs less than 84 days before the state primary in the final year of the sheriff’s term, the board’s appointee only serves until the newly elected sheriff is certified. In this case, the winner of the November general election takes office immediately after receiving their certificate, filing their bond, and taking the oath— rather than waiting until the following January.
Under state law, the Chief Deputy, Ben Hallberg, is authorized to perform all the duties and functions of the Sheriff’s office until the County Board officially makes an appointment. Hallberg assumed the role of Chief Deputy in January 2026, following the retirement of the previous Chief Deputy, Leif Lunde, who stepped down at the end of 2025.
Given the ongoing expansion of the Law Enforcement Center and the rollout of the new body camera program, Hallberg is the primary official overseeing these projects during the leadership change.
Although Hallberg is the department’s Chief Deputy, Deputy Ty Backlund is currently the only official candidate for Sheriff, having declared his candidacy in January.
