Perry County Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer has announced he will not seek reelection when his second term ends in December, closing out eight years of service in the county’s top elected office.
Sauer was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022. His full statement follows:
"After much thought and reflection, I have decided that I will not seek another term as Presiding Commissioner of Perry County. I will retire at the conclusion of my current term, which ends in 2026, after serving two terms in this office.
"It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the citizens of Perry County in the highest elected office in our county government. I am deeply grateful to the people of this community for the trust, confidence, and support you have shown me and the commission throughout my tenure.
"Over the course of my county career, I have valued the strong relationships fostered between the County and our municipal partners. Those partnerships have allowed us to make meaningful progress and move our community forward in so many ways. Cooperation has always been at the heart of our success.
"I have truly enjoyed serving alongside Commissioner Keith Hoehn and Commissioner Jay Wengert. Together, we have worked as a team to address challenges, pursue opportunities, and make decisions for the betterment of us all. It is my sincere hope that whoever is elected next will continue to embrace that same spirit of teamwork and collaboration.
"Serving as a commissioner is far more than attending two meetings a week. It involves countless hours dedicated to boards, organizations, and initiatives that ensure local prosperity and provide the services our citizens need and deserve. It is about building a community we can all be proud of. It is also about listening to individual concerns and addressing individual needs related to county roads or services provided in the community while also considering the impact of action on the community as a whole on matters that affect us all as well as those who will call Perry County home in the future.
"During my time in office, we have celebrated significant accomplishments, including the construction of the Perry County Joint Justice Center, the consolidation of 911 services, and the continued development of commerce and industry which is the backbone of a thriving community. We have also stood together in times of hardship and recovery, including the devastating ice storm of 2025 that impacted every corner of our county, as well as the tornadoes that affected households and businesses alike. In both prosperity and adversity, I have been proud of how our community responds, with resilience, generosity, and unity.
"It has been my privilege to serve and to do my best to make Perry County better. During my tenure, we have seen meaningful changes and improvements, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have played a part in that progress.
"Although I will be stepping away from elected office, I fully intend to remain an active and engaged member of this community, serving in other ways that help make Perry County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
"What makes our region so special, and why people across the state take notice of Perry County, is the countless men and women who generously give their time and talents to help others and host exceptional events. We cooperate with one another for the greater good, and that spirit is what truly defines us.
"Thank you for the opportunity to serve."
Mike Sauer
Presiding Commissioner
Perry County
The presiding commissioner position will be on the ballot in the November 2026 general election. Perry County commissioners serve four-year terms.
