County Executive Melissa Agard Endorses Judge Ben Jones for Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 1

MADISON – Today, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced her endorsement of Judge Ben Jones for election to a full term in Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 1.

“Judge Ben Jones has demonstrated the integrity, fairness, and steady leadership that Dane County deserves on the bench,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “He understands that the role of a judge is to treat every person who comes before the court with dignity, and to uphold the rule of law without bias or influence. His deep commitment to public service and his thoughtful approach to justice make him exactly the kind of judge our community needs.”

“I am honored to have the support of County Executive Agard,” said Judge Ben Jones. “Her steadfast leadership and dedication to serving the people of Dane County – as well as the people of Wisconsin – reflect the same values of fairness, accountability, and respect that I strive to bring to the bench every day.”

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 selection process. Judge Jones took first place in the primary election on February 17. 

Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Jones built an impressive record as an attorney in private practice, and then was chief legal counsel at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the state’s education agency. Jones distinguished himself at DPI as the leader developing legal frameworks for providing education during the COVID crisis. He was also the architect of a 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.

The general election is April 7, 2026.