Judge Ben Jones serves in Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 1, and is a candidate for retention to that office in the April 7, 2026 election.

A longtime champion for the rights of kids and inclusion in education, Judge Jones was appointed to the bench by Governor Tony Evers, following a comprehensive merit-driven process, in 2025. He replaced Judge Susan Crawford after her election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and she is also enthusiastically endorsing him to continue her work for Dane County.

“Judge Jones is a great addition to the Dane County Circuit Court,” said Governor Tony Evers. “His character, intellect, and commitment to public service will serve the people of Dane County well.”

Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Jones built an impressive record as an attorney in private practice, and then was legal counsel under three successive Superintendents at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the state’s education agency. 

Ben distinguished himself at DPI as the leader developing legal frameworks for providing education during the COVID crisis. He also oversaw efforts to hold teachers accountable when there was unacceptable behavior. And, Ben was the architect of the legal strategy to protect children’s rights, especially as the Trump Administration has tried to undermine protections secured through generations of advocacy – especially for LGBTQ+ kids.

Judge Jones lives in Monona with his wife and two sons, and is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and UW Law School.