During this campaign, I expected opposition from across the aisle. What I did not anticipate was resistance from within the Democratic Party itself. Too often, institutions that claim to champion diversity fall into patterns of tokenism elevating a few voices while sidelining broader movements for structural change.
In this race, that reality became clear. Efforts were made behind the scenes to influence endorsements, to pressure local leaders, and to shape the outcome in favor of a preferred candidate. These actions raise important questions about who truly holds power, and whose voices are heard within our political system.
At its core, this campaign stood for a simple but powerful idea: Our courts belong to the people. No political party, elected official or institution should dictate who serves as judge. That decision belongs to the voters.
This campaign began out of deep concern about government overreach, about the erosion of judicial independence, and about communities living in fear. It was fueled by the belief that our legal system must do better, and that the people most impacted by it must have a voice in shaping it.
Throughout this journey, I was inspired by the next generation of leaders in Dane County: leaders who are unafraid to challenge entrenched systems and demand something better. I was equally moved by the many community members, across backgrounds, who made space for this conversation and engaged with these ideas.
Former Wisconsin DPI Lawyer Ben Jones Elected Judge after being appointed by Gov Evers. April 7, 2026 election results.