2026 Election Coverage; Candidate Preview for Chase County Sheriff

As Nebraska’s 2026 Primary Election approaches on Tuesday, May 12, The Imperial Republican has asked local candidates why they are the most qualified to fill the position they are running to for.
Locally, the Primary Ballot will include a contested race for Chase County Sheriff, which will see Justin Mueller and Rob Browning on the ticket.
The deadline to register to vote online or by mail is April 27, while in-person registration will remain open through May 1. Early in-person voting begins April 13.
Why do you want to serve?
Rob Browning: I want to serve as Sheriff of Chase County because this is home, and I care about the people here. In a small community, trust and accountability matter.
I believe in being visible, supporting our deputies, and addressing challenges like drugs and rural response times. The office of Sheriff is about service-building relationships and protecting our neighbors.
Justin Mueller: I want to serve because this community has given me a place to build my life, raise my family, and grow my career. Through my years in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of trust, professionalism, and accountability. I’m committed to protecting our citizens, supporting my fellow deputies, and continuing to strengthen the Sheriff’s Office with integrity, experience, and a dedication to doing what’s right every day.
What qualifications or background do you have that makes you a good candidate?
Justin Mueller: I bring over 15 years of law enforcement experience with the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, including more than a decade as a certified supervisor responsible for making critical, real-time decisions. I’m a certified firearms and patrol rifle instructor, with extensive training in drug enforcement and active shooter response.
I have a comprehensive understanding of the entire operation—patrol, dispatch, and jail—which allows me to see the full picture and lead effectively. I’m committed to providing steady, experienced leadership grounded in professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic while continuing to move the department forward
Rob Browning: My list of law enforcement qualifications include: Basic Law Enforcement Certificate, 1998; Nebraska Law Enforcement Supervisor, 2008; Nebraska Law Enforcement Manager Certificate, 2012; Along with various other Law Enforcement related classes and seminars over the years.
Also, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps established a deep sense of duty and discipline, and shaped me into the man I am, committed to service and teamwork.
What can you contribute and what have you already accomplished?
Rob Browning: I bring proven discipline and a strong sense of accountability, shaped by my years of service, both in the military and Law Enforcement. I’m committed to protecting our communities of Chase County, and building trust through transparency and communication.
I focus on practical solutions, collaborating with local partners, ensuring the office is professional, responsive and dedicated to our citizens safety.
Justin Mueller: I will contribute steady, experienced leadership with a focus on professionalism, accountability, and strong community relationships. Having worked in patrol along with the knowledge of the dispatch center and jail operations, I understand how every part of the office functions together.
The Sheriff’s Office is a unique agency because so many things are set by state statute. I’ve had the privilege to work along the current Sheriff so I understand these requirements. I’m knowledgeable in the budgeting process because the Sheriff has three budgets he manages. One for the Communication Center, Jail and Sheriff’s Office which totals almost $750,000. Then there are the Statutory requirements, Civil Process, Distress Warrants, Executions, Security for the Courts. The Sheriff is just more than a Law Enforcement Officer he has to know how to budget, must be able to make sure all the statutory requirements are met, manage three different agencies. I have experience in all of these things.
In my current role, I’ve served as a supervisor for over a decade, helped guide daily operations, trained officers as a firearms and patrol rifle instructor, and supported implementation of modern policies, equipment, and programs that keep our department effective and up to date.
What important and immediate goals will you address if elected?
Justin Mueller: My immediate goals are to ensure the Sheriff’s Office continues operating at a high level with well-trained, well-equipped personnel, while maintaining strong retention and recruitment. I will prioritize officer safety, community trust, and transparency through an open-door policy. I also plan to continue updating policies and technology, strengthen coordination with local agencies, and focus on proactive approaches to crime, including drug enforcement and community engagement.

Rob Browning: I understand the importance of stepping into the role with a clear and steady approach. My immediate focus would be to support my team, review operations, and ensure that the sheriff’s office continues to provide reliable, professional services.
I believe in evaluating needs carefully and making thoughtful decisions that best serve the community.
What sets you apart from your opponents?
Rob Browning: I believe in pro-active policing and strong relationships with the public. Being a lifelong resident of Chase County, I have earned the trust of the residents of this place I call home.
Justin Mueller: Rob and I share many of the same views and goals for how the Sheriff’s Office should be run, and we both care deeply about serving this community. We also have a strong personal and professional relationship, as we are cousins, and that mutual respect will continue moving forward.
What sets me apart is my experience and long-standing service within this office. I have worked exclusively for the Chase County Sheriff’s Office since starting my law enforcement career in early 2011. Over that time, I’ve served more than a decade as a supervisor, making real decisions that impact daily operations. I understand patrol, dispatch, and jail firsthand, and I’m ready to lead on day one with integrity, consistency, and a commitment to our community and staff.
Are there any other issues you wish to address?
Justin Mueller : I believe it’s important to continue building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community through transparency, communication, and trust. Supporting the mental health and well-being of our deputies is also critical to maintaining a professional and effective department. I’m committed to responsible budgeting, keeping our office equipped and up to date, and ensuring we remain proactive in addressing challenges before they become larger issues
Rob Browning: No.
What is your current occupation and your length of employment?
Rob Browning: I have been a deputy for the Chase County Sheriff’s Office for 7.5 years.
Justin Mueller: I am currently employed with the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, where I have served for over 15 years. Throughout my career, I have worked in patrol and have been a certified supervisor for more than a decade, actively involved in daily operations and leadership within the department.
Talk about your personal life:
Justin Mueller: I’m a dedicated family man, proud to be raising my young family here in Chase County with my wife, Tori. We have three children—Killian (8), Charlotte (4), and Josephine (2)—and numerous animals on our little homestead, which keeps us busy and grounded in the values of hard work and responsibility.
When I’m not working at the Sheriff’s Office, my time is centered around my family. Whether we’re gardening, working on vehicles, or continuing to finish our home, I truly value that time together. It’s where I recharge and stay connected to what matters most.
Outside of my professional responsibilities, I intentionally focus my efforts on my family because I strongly believe a strong family core is essential to raising respectful, hardworking children and building a stronger community as a whole. Those values carry over into my service and commitment to the people of this county.
Rob Browning: My wife Emily and I are proud to call Chase County home. Together we have built a life centered on family, faith and service.
Together we have a blended family of nine children, Sydney, Adrienne, Jim, McKenzie, Kaden, Gunner, Kyson, Delanie and Henlie.
I am a member of the Imperial Berean Church, where I serve as a pianist. I have also served as pianist at Chase County Schools for K-12 grades for over 25 years.
I am a member of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department, (18 yrs.), and Imperial EMS.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing the piano, and getting out for a round of golf whenever I can.