MADISON—Today, Wisconsin Rep. Mike Bare endorsed Judge Ben Jones for election to a full term in Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 1.
Rep. Bare (AD-80) is the most recent State Representative in Dane County to endorse Judge Ben Jones, joining Representatives Maureen McCarville (AD-45), Rep. Sheila Stubbs (AD-78), Rep. Francesca Hong (AD-76) and Rep. Lisa Subeck (AD-79). Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford, who Judge Jones replaced on the Dane County Circuit Court, and Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, have also backed Jones for a full term on Branch 1.
“Judge Ben Jones has earned my trust and respect and I’m proud to endorse him,” said Rep. Mike Bare. “Dane County needs empathetic and experienced judges like Judge Jones presiding in our courts. I’m grateful he treats people in his courtroom with dignity and humility. I hope voters please join me in supporting Judge Jones.”
“I’m grateful to receive Rep. Mike Bare’s endorsement,” said Judge Ben Jones. “Mike has long been a champion for the values that keep our communities strong — equity, opportunity, and accountability. His commitment to building a safer, more inclusive Dane County is something I deeply admire. I’m honored to accept his support as I continue working to serve the people of Dane County.”
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.
