MADISON—Today, State Rep. Francesca Hong endorsed Judge Ben Jones for election to a full term in Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 1.
Rep. Hong joins a growing list of endorsements for Judge Jones that includes Justice Susan Crawford, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, and State Rep. Lisa Subeck.
“Ben Jones has already shown he has the right set of priorities as Circuit Court Judge,” said Rep. Francesca Hong. “He built his career by protecting our kids and schools from federal overreach, and understands the balance needed to keep folks safe in our community as Circuit Court Judge – including protecting our Constitutional rights and championing engagement in our communities.”
“It’s especially meaningful to have the endorsement of Rep. Francesca Hong,” said Judge Ben Jones. “She’s a strong community leader who believes everyone should have a seat at the table, and she understands that starts with protecting the rights of all Wisconsinites.”
A longtime champion for the rights of kids and inclusion in education, Judge Jones was appointed to the bench by Governor Tony Evers earlier this year, following a comprehensive merit-driven selection process. 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 will be April 7, 2026, with a primary election to be held February 17 if there are three or more candidates.
