Incumbent Judge Ben Jones Retains Dane County Court Seat

Jones fended off a challenger in a closely watched local judicial election.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:20am

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A close-up view of a judge's gavel resting on a wooden bench, with the gavel's shadow casting a diagonal pattern across the surface, creating a sense of solemnity and contemplation.The reelection of Judge Ben Jones preserves the status quo on the Dane County court, which handles a wide range of cases impacting the local community.Madison Today

In a closely watched local judicial election, incumbent Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ben Jones has retained his seat, defeating a challenger. Jones, who has served on the bench since 2018, prevailed in the nonpartisan race despite facing a spirited challenge.

Why it matters

Judicial elections are important for maintaining an independent and impartial judiciary, and this race was seen as a test of Jones' record and judicial philosophy. The outcome preserves the status quo on the Dane County court, which handles a wide range of cases impacting the local community.

The details

Jones, a former public defender, won reelection with 53% of the vote, fending off a challenge from a local attorney who had criticized Jones' rulings as being too lenient on criminal defendants. The race drew significant attention and campaign spending from outside groups, reflecting the high stakes involved in judicial elections.

  • The election was held on April 2, 2026.
  • Jones has served on the Dane County Circuit Court since 2018.

The players

Ben Jones

The incumbent Dane County Circuit Court judge who won reelection in 2026.

Challenger

A local attorney who ran against Jones in the 2026 Dane County judicial election.

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What they’re saying

“This election was about upholding the rule of law and maintaining an independent judiciary that serves the community, not special interests.”

— Ben Jones, Reelected Dane County Circuit Court Judge

What’s next

Judge Jones will be sworn in for another term on the Dane County Circuit Court in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The retention of Judge Jones preserves the ideological balance on the Dane County court, which handles a wide range of cases impacting the local community. This election underscores the importance of judicial races in maintaining an independent and impartial judiciary.