DANE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Ben Jones has been appointed to the Dane County Circuit Court, Gov. Tony Evers announced on Friday, May 23. The appointment fills the vacancy left by Judge Susan Crawford’s election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Jones will serve in Branch 1 and complete a term ending July 31, 2026.

In the statement announcing the appointment of Jones, Gov. Evers called him "a great addition to the Dane County Circuit Court," adding, "His character, intellect, and commitment to public service will serve the people of Dane County well."

Jones has served as chief legal counsel for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction since 2019 and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School.

He is quoted in the release as saying, "I will carry those collective experiences and values with me to the bench, including the belief that every person deserves equitable and meaningful access to justice."