MADISON—Today, State Rep. Joan Fitzgerald endorsed Judge Ben Jones for election to a full term in Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 1.
Rep. Fitzgerald (AD-46) joins fellow Representatives Jenna Jacobson (AD-50), Alex Joers (AD-81), Andrew Hysell (AD-46), Maureen McCarville (AD-45), Francesca Hong (AD-76), Shelia Stubbs (AD-78), Lisa Subeck (AD-79), and Mike Bare (AD-80) in endorsing Judge Jones. Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford, who Judge Jones replaced on the Dane County Circuit Court, and Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, also voiced support for Judge Jones to continue serving the people of Dane County in a full term on Branch 1. See the complete – and growing – list of endorsements at judgebenjones.com/endorsements.
“Judge Ben Jones brings exactly the kind of steady, principled leadership our courts deserve,” said Rep. Joan Fitzgerald. “He approaches every case with care, fairness, and a deep commitment to the people of Dane County. Judge Jones understands what public safety requires, and he pairs that knowledge with compassion and respect for everyone who comes before him. His work ethic, integrity, and comprehensive dedication to justice make him the clear choice for Circuit Court Branch 1.”
“I’m sincerely thankful for Rep. Joan Fitzgerald’s support,” said Judge Ben Jones. “She works every day to make Dane County a stronger, safer place for families, and I’m proud to stand with her in that effort. Her confidence in my work means a great deal. As Judge, I’ll continue focusing on a court system that is fair, accessible, and grounded in the values that keep our community moving forward.”
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.
