Longtime public servant will not seek re-election

CELINA-Longtime Clay County Register of Deeds Brenda Browning has announced she will soon retire from office and will not run for re-election to an eighth term.

“After 30 years working for Clay County, I want to formally announce that I will not be seeking re-election this year,” Browning said in a statement released to the HORIZON.

Browning said she began her career with the county in 1996, where she worked two years as a bookkeeper in the county executive office.

She then made the decision to run for the office she currently holds upon the retirement of Register of Deeds Ray Frogg in 1998.

“Being very thankful to the people of Clay County, I was elected and have had the pleasure of serving all of you for the past 28 years,” Browning said.  “Most of all I want to thank everyone for their kindness and support shown to me over the years.

“Again, thank you to the people of Clay County.”

Browning said her retirement will take effect on August 31, 2026, and explained she would offer support to her successor.

“To the newly-elected Register of Deeds, I will make this transition as easy as possible and be willing to assist you in any way possible,” she said.

Three potential candidates have secured petitions to run for Register of Deeds in the upcoming August  election.  See a related story in this week’s edition for details.