For Olmsted County Attorney

Walters Works.

A level head. A proven record. A local prosecutor committed to keeping every community in Olmsted County safe.

Michael Walters, Olmsted County Attorney
16
Years at the Courthouse
1 Year
Wait Reduced to Weeks
Jury
Verdicts: DWI to Murder
Local
Born & Raised Right Here
The Platform

Priorities for Olmsted County

A safe community requires more than tough talk. It requires a level head, strong partnerships, and a commitment to getting results that people can actually see.

Timely Access to Justice

When Michael took office, the wait for a first appearance in criminal court was a full year. That wait time has been cut, and more progress is being made. That progress will continue until every victim and every person accused of a crime gets the certainty they deserve: that their case will be resolved fairly and without unnecessary delay.

Fair Play and Fair Consequences

Proportionate consequences. Due process. Transparency. Under Michael's leadership, the prosecution policy for domestic assault by strangulation was changed to pursue a conviction in every case, ending the practice of letting these serious offenses result in no conviction on the record. At the same time, the office has built a culture of openness with the defense bar through regular standing meetings, because fair play means respecting the rights of the accused too.

Victim Focus

Justice is about the people behind the cases. The office works closely with Olmsted County Victim Services, the Women's Shelter, and the Mayo Clinic Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Adolescents, a state of the art child abuse investigation center. The team of victim witness coordinators is growing to ensure that victims are informed, supported, and never left wondering what is happening with their case.

Dignity and Accountability

Mental illness in our community is a public safety challenge that deserves more than a revolving door. Working with law enforcement, the courts, defense lawyers, and social services, the office launched a weekly mental health court calendar for defendants found incompetent to stand trial. Previously, these cases languished for months. Now, prosecutors, social workers, and mental health practitioners meet every Friday to find real solutions backed by binding court orders. In just two months, multiple defendants have been stabilized and are ready to stand trial.

Endorsements

Trusted by Those Who Know

Law enforcement and legal leaders who have worked alongside Michael and trust him to keep running the office.

“

Olmsted County needs steady leadership in our Olmsted County Attorney’s Office that is guided with a dependable and knowledgeable hand. Please vote Michael Walters for Olmsted County Attorney, I did.

Sheriff Kevin Torgerson Olmsted County Sheriff*
“

We are proud to endorse Michael Walters for Olmsted County Attorney. Michael has a proven track record as an experienced prosecutor on the violent crimes team, handles major felony cases directly, and understands the daily realities our deputies face on the streets. His leadership ensures that public safety and the rule of law remain top priorities.

Olmsted County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
“

We believe Michael Walters embodies these leadership qualities. His approach aligns with the values of our members and the importance of strong, collaborative partnerships in keeping our community safe. The Rochester Police Department Sergeants’ Union encourages voters to support Michael Walters for Olmsted County Attorney.

Rochester Police Sergeants’ Union
“

I am proud to offer my endorsement of Michael Walters for Olmsted County Attorney. Michael has the experience, integrity, and commitment our community needs.

Mark Ostrem Former Olmsted County Attorney
“

Mr. Walters is one of the most talented and capable lawyers I have ever met. Olmsted County is fortunate to have Michael Walters as its County Attorney. I warmly endorse his candidacy to continue in that position.

The Honorable Joseph Chase Former District Court Judge

*Title for identification purposes only.

Michael Walters
About Michael

Homegrown. Proven. Your County Attorney.

Michael Walters grew up right here in Olmsted County. After graduating from Century High School, he earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota and came back home to the Olmsted County Courthouse. Sixteen years later, he's still there. He knows the system inside and out because he's worked across it, from drug treatment court to juvenile justice to prosecuting every case type from DWI to murder. He's not just an administrator who asks his staff to do the work. He has personally tried cases resulting in convictions and life sentences.

“In this last year, we've made real progress in protecting the rights of this community and making our justice system more responsive to the common good. In the coming years, we will build on this momentum and pursue justice for the people of Olmsted County.”

In April 2025, Michael was appointed to lead the Olmsted County Attorney's Office. Today he oversees a team of over fifty professionals committed to integrity, fair play, and results. He is a founding member of Drug Treatment Court, has built the county's first weekly mental health court calendar, and lives locally with his wife and children.

Across the County

Serving Every Community

From Rochester to the smallest township, every resident deserves a County Attorney who shows up.

Rochester, MN

Rochester

County seat & regional hub

Byron, MN

Byron

Growing families, growing needs

Stewartville, MN

Stewartville

Strong roots, tight-knit community

Dover, MN

Dover

Small town, strong values

Eyota, MN

Eyota

Heart of the county

Oronoco, MN

Oronoco

Where community runs deep

Chatfield, MN

Chatfield

Chosen Valley pride

Pine Island, MN

Pine Island

The Cheese Capital

Olmsted County Townships

Our Townships

From Cascade to Viola